Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2017
Pledge of Allegiance
Meeting called to order at 5:28PM
Roll Call- John Pfeifle, Chairman; Sonny Harris, Selectman; Jim Bibbo, Selectman; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator and Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer were in attendance
Appearances:
- Town Hall Update: Jay Barrett, architect, presented the Board with a letter outlining the costs and options for moving forward (see http://www.bradfordnh.org/town-hall-costs-and-options-moving-forward-10-16-17/). Jay discussed each options and its costs:
Option 1: Set the building back down, enclose underneath and around it, repair damaged sills, properly anchor the building to the new foundation walls, and take a break.
Cost estimate: $275,000
Option 2: All of the above plus finishing pouring the foundation and interior footings, back filling, and temporary grading around the building; saw cutting and installation of granite foundation pieces; structural repair and upgrades throughout the building; and framing new exterior walls at the rear of the building, the new first floor infill area and other first floor interior framing, and structural repair and up-grades throughout the building.
Cost estimate: $500,000
Option 3: Apply enough additional funding, yet to be raised, to get the first floor of the building such that it could be legally and safely re-occupied, although not cosmetically or otherwise completed. All of Option Number 2 to be completed, as well as all fire life safety systems to be complete (sprinkler and fire alarm installed throughout the entire building), all water supply, mechanical (heating and ventilating), electrical, and plumbing systems in place, all interior rough carpentry and drywall / plaster work completed, and site improvement such as the new electrical service entrance and septic system in place, as well as and a minimal amount of parking, walkways, and rough site grading completed.
Cost estimate: $1,640,000
Option 4: Go for the funding to completely finish at least the first floor of the project such that the building is safely, legally, and appropriately re-occupied, all exterior and interior trim, finishes, and paint work is complete; and such that it utilizes the present NH LCHIP funds presently available to the project.
Cost estimate: $2,000,000
Option 5: This is a complete reversal of the above previous four options offered above, and this option is to simply immediately abandon the project in a way that could be seen by some as the Town decisively cutting its past, present, and future losses concerning the project. By abandoning the project, this would include discontinuing all ongoing work and selling or repurposing the property. Keeping the property but completely razing the existing historic building, including the newly completed reinforced concrete foundations could cost an estimated $45,000. A new Town Office of approximately 5,200 sq ft could cost $1,800,000 (which includes costs sunk into the current project that are not recoverable).
Beth Downs explained to the Board that if they take a break in the project they would have to return all donations. There was also discussion as to whether or not the LCHIP money could be put toward the structural reinforcing. Jay is still on schedule to have the final plans available in early November. John stated his desire to meet with the Fire Marshal to see what would need to be done for the Town to start using the building before the renovation is complete. The next steps include meeting with the code enforcement officials (Fire Marshal, Building Inspector, Fire Chief) and also meeting with George Born (LCHIP). Jay indicated his interest in this project and mentioned he had donated approximately 20 hours of his time to this project so far.
2.Ellen Cole – Sunset Hill Road: Ellen and her neighbor Faye Davison informed the Board that there has been a lot of speeding on their road (posted 25 mph) from motorcycles, cars and trucks. The Board will relay this information to the Chief of Police and request more coverage in that area of Bradford.
3. Claire James-4th of July: Claire officially stepped down as chair of the July 4th She did put together a folder of information to make the transition smoother for a new Chair. The Board thanked her for her time and all that she had done to make the transition smooth.
4. Verizon: Jim Bibbo sent a letter to the CEO of Verizon stating there is currently a tower in Bradford that Verizon rents but that Verizon does not provide service on the tower. The letter stated that the Board is very interested in cell service being provided in Bradford. Verizon contacted Jim and asked a number of questions. Jim will continue to pursue this.
Regular Business:
- Town Line Change: The State needs to make the official request to change town lines and both Towns need to agree. Karen suggested that more information be gathered to present to Warner (examples: a map, feedback from the residents and data on the number of children that will be affected etc).The information would then be presented to Warner. Karen will continue working on this and set up a meeting with Warner once more information is gathered.
- The Board accepted funds for the Town Hall Restoration Trust Fund.
- The Board signed the Treasurer Request for Town Hall Funds.
- Letter from the attorney to the Planning Board: the Board would like to review this letter further and asked that it be placed on next week’s agenda.
Minutes of October 2nd meeting were reviewed and accepted without changes. .
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday October 23, 2017 at 5:30 at the Bradford Community Center.
Meeting adjourned at 7:07 to Non-public session per RSA 91-A:3, II(e)
Meeting adjourned to public session at 7:29.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30.
Minutes submitted by Molly Hopkins/Karen Hambleton