Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Roll Call – Andrew Pinard (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
Sherry Gould – Abenaki Trail Project – Sherry gave an update on things they have been working on. She gave her family’s history in Bradford. She said they have met with members of the Historical Society and the Conservation Commission. Sherry discussed the loss of cedar in the area. They plan to put a boardwalk out to the well in the bog and do a water test as well. They have purchased a cider press. Sherry also said there will be a talk on Indigenous People’s Day at the Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum. Marlene asked about the Indian Tie Up. Sherry said the Abenaki would winter up on the ledges and that this location appears to be where captives would be tied up. Mel asked how big the tribe was back then, and Sherry said she has no idea.
Matt Monahan – Economic Revitalization Zones (ERZ) – Matt gave the background on the ERZ in the west and east end of Town. These are State tax incentives to attract businesses to particular locations. Town applies to the State, then the State promotes this project on their end. Board members reviewed maps of these zones. The Transfer Station and Naughton property are two identified properties in the overlay. Andrew asked what changes for the property owners would take place. Matt said nothing would change and it just gives the property owner another incentive to have someone purchase their property or use their property for a business. Andrew asked what the outreach out to abutters has been and what type of businesses could go into these areas. Matt said right now they are just working on a map. There was discussion about adding more properties to the map. Matt will go back and add a few more lots to the map.
Public Input:
None
Regular and Old Business
- The Board reviewed the minutes of the September 29 meeting.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept the minutes.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Audit MDA (Management Discussion & Analysis) – Marlene gave a summary of what they did in 2020. She reviewed work and actions that have been completed. Marlene will send the information to Karen.
- Masonic Hall Future Use – Karen said one of the Town’s fire fighters who also is a licensed inspector went through the Masonic Hall with Sal Magistro and gave Karen a list of what would need to be done before the building is used. The recommendation is for first floor use of the building only. Andrew thinks it would be beneficial to know what else would need to be done if the Town decides to eventually use the second floor. Karen will ask them to add this to the report. Karen also said there is water getting in through the roof and causing rot. Karen will have the Code Enforcement Officer take a look at it and she will get some estimates to repair it.
- Process for Police Chief Search – Karen had sent the Board members some examples of Police Chief full-time job descriptions. Mel thinks they should run it by the Town counsel. Andrew thinks the members of the Police Department should also take a look at it as well. Andrew would like to post this internally as quickly as possible.
- Holiday Decoration Follow-up – Mel said they would be adding decorations for the Bement Bridge. Andrew thinks it should be documented as to what is being done and where for use again next year. Marlene would also like to look into getting flag poles throughout the Town rather than putting them up on the telephone poles. She will come back with more information.
New Business:
- Energy Committee Correspondence – Kathleen Bigford shared correspondence related to Revision Energy’s proposal. Kathleen would like to make a presentation at a future Select Board meeting. The Board members are in favor of them making a future presentation.
- NHMA Conference – Karen said this will take place November 17 – 19 and is a mixture of in-person and virtual sessions. Andrew read some of the seminars that will be taking place during the conference.
- Vacant Positions – Karen mentioned that a Recording Secretary is needed for Select Board, Budget Committee, Planning Board and Zoning Board and that Highway is in need of a part-time Laborer.
- Electric Rates – Karen said the Town is currently locked in through November and the renewal rates are starting to creep up. She said she would like to see what other options might be.
Motion: Andrew made a motion to give Karen the authority to poll the Board via email for rate approval and then to lock the Town into a rate.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0
- LCHIP Plaque – Karen said last Thursday the LCHIP steward visited the Town Hall to make sure the Town is complying with the Stewardship agreement, and she brought the plaque with her.
Upcoming Meetings:
- October 25, 2021
Motion: Marlene Freylermotioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (c) at 7:56 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to return to public session at 8:05 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.