Meeting called to order at 11:18am
Roll Call- Michael James, Jason Allen, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator were in attendance.
John Pfeifle was absent.
Pledge of Allegiance
Appearances:
- There were no appearances.
Regular Business:
- Minutes from the October 21st, 2019 meeting were reviewed.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the minutes with a change to amend the term “rock crusher” to “rock hammer”.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 2-0 in favor
- Account Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Steve Hall, Town Road Agent, provided a Highway Department update. Gravel purchases have been received, along with hardpack and 100 tons of winter sand. New signs for the West Meadow/Fairgrounds road intersections have been received, installation is pending. The new employee is working out great. Steve has explored training options for the department but has only found a 6-8 week program so will continue to research options. Steve explored having equipment evaluations done; Reed’s could do the trucks and Anderson Equipment could do the heavy equipment. Anderson Equipment’s ballpark costs to inspect the Grader was $1,500 to $2,000. Michael James has identified a potential resource from Charlestown, NH whose cost would be $75 an hour. The Board will establish a list of equipment and get a cost estimate prior to proceeding. Steve has ordered a pedestrian crossing sign for the Library crossing which should be installed soon.
- The Selectmen were copied on a letter of complaint from Brad Keller concerning the removal of a culvert and ditching work that was done by Pierce Cemetery. Steve felt the work done is appropriate and that access to the site has been improved with off road parking. The Selectmen will visit the site and develop a response.
- The Selectmen reviewed a letter from the Planning Board requesting the Select Board contact two local businesses concerning violations of the Town Zoning Ordinance for signs. Jason Allen expressed concern that there are other properties in Town that appear to violate components of the Sign Regulations that were not identified in the Planning Board correspondence. Jason also felt that, as a Town that would like to be known as business friendly, it might be more appropriate to amend the Sign Regulations. Michael James felt the complaint needs to be addressed but agreed that if violations exist, they should be addressed universally and was in favor of meeting with the Planning Board to discuss the Ordinance. Brooks McCandlish, when asked for his opinion, suggested talking with the Planning Board and felt any ordinances should be enforceable and enforced consistently. The Selectmen will attend the November 12th, 2019 Planning Board to discuss the concern.
- The Board received a Purchase Order request from the Fire Department to procure a lockbox vault to house paramedic prescriptions. Two quotes were presented, one from the Knox Company for $1,300 and one from Boundary Medical for $3,200. The Board asked Chris Frey as to whether there was a functional difference between the two options presented and he was not aware of one.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve a purchase order for the Knox Company.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 2-0 in favor
- The Board signed a letter to the Rural Heritage Connection requesting funds to pay for the granite work done at Town Hall.
- Motion: Jason Allen motioned to accept $24,000 in funds from the Rural Heritage Connection and expressed thanks to the many donor contributions made towards the work on at Town Hall.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 2-0 in favor
- The Board signed an appointment for Doug Southard to the Conservation Commission.
- The Board signed the annual MS535, Financial Report of the Budget for the Department of Revenue.
- The Board signed the annual MS1, Summary of Inventory Valuation for the Department of Revenue.
- The Board signed a Timber Tax Warrant.
- Michael provided an update on activity to address derelict property conditions at the former schoolhouse location on Dunfield Road. More debris was accumulated than planned resulting in three dumpsters of waste versus the one originally forecasted. The site is being secured and basic cleanup is done for the year. Karen shared a call received from a Historical Society member who expressed concern that the project was identified as a Historical Society initiative in previous Select Board meetings as there has not been a vote by Historical Society members concerning the building. Michael stated the project is being done to secure a Town owned property. Michael and Jason discussed the volunteers that have been involved with the project and will get together a full list so that gratitude for their efforts can be recognized. Michael requested the Highway Department remove the remaining tree debris accumulated through the clean-up effort.
Motion: Michael James motioned to increase the allocation for dumpster expenses to $2,000.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 2-0 in favor
- Steve asked whether any update was available for the Cochran Hill engineering estimate conducted to address water runoff concerns. A quote is expected this week.
- The Board discussed holding a meeting on November 12th, 2019 to set a tax rate so the last period tax bills can be issued. The Board agreed to meet at 6:00pm at the Bradford Area Community Center.
- Jason outlined not being able to attend the Budget Meeting on November 7th, 2019. Michael will plan to attend in his place. Karen outlined decisions in health insurance and wages are needed from the Select Board to finalize the 2020 General Budget submission.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn at 12:15pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 2-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Tuesday November 12th, 2019 at 6:00pm, at the Bradford Community Center. (The time was later changed to 4:00pm.)
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary