Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call – Beth Downs, Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
Devin Pendleton – September 24 – Devin gave an update on the Bradford Celebration Day event. Marlene noticed we did not have as much participation in the event as last year. Devin said the parade was really light. There was discussion about possibly moving the celebration date to the summer months when more people are here. Devin talked about upcoming Christmas events and the funds needed to hold them. Parks & Recreation would like to rent a snow globe to take pics of families inside and do the Holiday Lights Contest and Jingle Bus again. There was discussion about the tight budget and other methods of funding the events, including fundraising.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to authorize Devin to spend $1,000 on a Christmas event.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Lois Kilnapp – Transfer Station – Lois said that DES is requiring additional wording on the signs for the Transfer Station. Lois has a cost-effective solution to make the needed changes.
Erica Gross – Town Clerk – Erica reported that she has found a new Deputy Town Clerk, Ann Kratz. The Board signed Ann’s appointment letter. Erica said there is a taxpayer who lives on Massasecum Lake Road whose payment for the first tax bill got lost in the mail. He has never been late in making tax payments. Erica asked the Board to abate the $104.70 interest he is being charged. After much discussion, the Board approved the request. Beth and Marlene were in favor; Mel was not in favor.
Bryan Nowell – Fire Department – There was a discussion regarding the discrepancy of costs with Henniker Rescue. Bryan noted that it has been eight years since the contract was signed and it is time to review the contract in detail. Bryan said the Fire Department did the chicken barbeque and assisted with the fireworks at the Bradford Celebration Day. The Department is going to work on a food drive and toys for tots as well. In February, they will be hosting a blood drive. A few members of the department were recognized for their bravery during the fire that occurred a few months ago. They are up to 173 incidents for the year; 25 since September 1.
Marilyn Goldberg – Treasurer – Marilyn asked the Board to sign authorizations to allow the new Deputy Town Clerk and Bookkeeper to have appropriate access to the bank accounts.
Public Input:
None
Regular and Old Business
- The Board reviewed the minutes of the October 11, 2022, meeting.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to accept the minutes for the October 11, 2022, meeting.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Future Initiatives from CIP Process – Karen reviewed the things they had discussed previously. Beth spoke to Steve about having someone review the condition of our Highway vehicles. As for developing a Financial Policy, Beth thinks we should start with the Trustees of the Trust Funds to look at what we are getting for interest in the trust funds. Mel thinks this is a good starting point. Discussion ensued.
- Town Hall Update – Karen tried to connect with engineers but had no luck. Not much of an update at this time.
- Utility/Fuel Rate Update – Karen said they are locked in with electricity .15999, propane at 1.67, and #2 heating oil at 3.513. Steve is working on diesel. Mel thinks we should work on that as quickly as possible due to upcoming shortage possibilities.
- Finalize Audit – Karen asked if there were any questions. There were none. The Board Chair signed the Report Acceptance
- Unanticipated Revenue
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to accept the following in unanticipated revenue: $4279.19 from Primex from the damage to the police vehicle, $110 from Marlene Freyler and vendor fees from September 24 Celebration Day event, $1168 from Beth Downs for the restoration of the second floor of the Town Hall, $850 from the grilling competition and two other donations for the scholarship fund.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
New Business:
- NHMA File Retention – Karen said the NH Municipal Association sent a letter asking about the retention of records. NHMA is discarding records prior to 2015. They want to know if Bradford would like the records before they are discarded. Karen will get further information as to what the volume of the records might be.
- Health Insurance – The rate for the current health plan is going up 11.7% thus the office is exploring other options for coverage in 2023. This needs to be decided by the next meeting.
- Upcoming Budget Schedule – Heidi will enter the budget requests into the budget worksheet, then it will be sent to the Budget Committee and Select Board. Karen said some hard choices are going to need to be made when looking at the budget. There was discussion regarding things that could be done to save money.
- Sign Personnel Action Forms (2) – Signed.
- Eastern Stars has asked to use the front porch of the Masonic Lodge to distribute wreaths. Karen told them that should be fine; the Board agreed.
- Karen asked if the Board wanted to revisit the Community Action Program questions they had earlier in the year. The Board would like to have the representative come in to meeting soon.
Upcoming Meetings:
- November 14, 2022
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.