Selectmen’s Minutes 10.15.18

Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes

October 15, 2018

Pledge of Allegiance

Meeting called to order at 5:30 pm

Roll Call- Jim Bibbo, Chairman; John Pfeifle, Selectman; Michael James, Selectmen; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator and Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer were in attendance

Appearances:

  1. Peter C and Peter M Fenton were present to support the submission of Community Revitalization Tax Relief Application, submitted by the Appleseed Restaurant, in accordance with RSA 79-E. An application for Unless, LLC was also presented and the Board accepted both applications as complete. A Public Hearing date of October 22nd was set to review the submissions.

Motion: Michael James motioned to accept the Unless, LLC and Appleseed Restaurant applications as complete

Second: Jim Bibbo

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

  1. Steve Hall, Road Agent, appeared to discuss the replacement of a pickup truck that is currently non-operational but is planned for replacement in 2019. This truck is intended for light duty work and needed for plowing. It would cost approximately $10,000 to fix. A more valuable Town vehicle is being used while this vehicle is inoperable. The Board discussed the feasibility of replacing the truck with a second hand vehicle but, as a result of new purchase incentives, a used vehicle that would meet the demands, would be more expensive than purchasing a new vehicle. The Board discussed the timing of the purchase as the vehicle is not available off the lot and would take approximately 3 months to be delivered. While the Board does have funds in an Expendable Trust to purchase a new vehicle now, there was concern as to whether the Town would want to do that. Chris Frey suggested having a Public Hearing to discuss moving forward with a purchase now versus placing this replacement on a Warrant Article and waiting for Town Meeting.

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to discuss replacement options of a non-operation vehicle at a Public Hearing on November 19th.

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

Michael James requested Steve put together a report detailing road conditions and priorities. John Pfeifle and Steve are working on this as part of budget preparation.

Michael also announced the Bradford’s sidewalk grant submission, thanks to Jim Bibbo, Claire James and Harry Wright, was 1st in the region and sounded like it was likely the Town would receive additional grant funding, although maintenance of the existing sidewalk could be a concern. Steve has been in contact with vendor’s that could execute the maintenance work that is needed.

  1. Lois Kilnapp notified the Board of a $350 donation, made by Susan Sherman, towards the Town beautification efforts. The beautification team would like to use these funds towards a sustainable feature and install a granite bench in front of the Bradford Area Community Center that will be engraved with “Sit a While”. Ken Anderson will donate any additional resources to needed to pay for the engraving.

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to accept the donation and approve the placement location at the next Selectmen’s meeting,

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

  1. Karen updated the Board on bids received for the Town Hall heating system which were due October 15th. She received one response. The Board decided to extend the response date by two weeks and Karen will follow up with the invited bidders.
  2. The Town received a letter from the NH Lottery supplying information on Keno. Before Keno can be sold, it must be passed by the town’s voters.

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to put the decision on a Warrant Article for Town Meeting

Second: Jim Bibbo

Decision: vote 2-1 in favor; Michael James was not in favor

  1. The Board signed an abatement request for Map 11/Lot 76, site 25 following the Assessor’s recommendation.
  2. An Intent to Cut was signed for Map 8/Lot 22 on East Washington Road.
  3. Electric supplier rates were locked in for Town facilities, continuing with the existing provider, at approximately $0.01 increase.
  4. Karen notified the Board that there would be a 10.5% increase in Health Care Insurance and a 2.3% increase in Dental Insurance with the current provider. She will review what other options may exist.
  5. Preliminary engineering plans for the Bement Bridge have been approved by the State and construction is anticipated to begin next spring. Chris Frey asked whether the Town still had enough funding available. Karen stated there were enough funds to cover the expense based upon the projection that was received.
  6. Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
  7. Minutes from October 1st meeting were reviewed.

Motion: John Pfeifle motion to accept.

Second: Jim Bibbo

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

 After a 5 minute recess, the Board adjourned to Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A3II a at 6:30pm.

Motion: Jim Bibbo motion to move to Non-Public session

Second: John Pfeifle

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

The Board adjourned to Public Session per RSA 91–A3II a at 6:52pm

The Board adjourned the meeting at 6:53pm

Motion: Jim Bibbo motioned to adjourn

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday October 22nd, 2018 at the Bradford Area Community Center.

Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary