Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:02 pm.
Roll Call: Beth Downs (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle (joined via ZOOM at 6:03)
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Review Minutes of November 13, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to accept the November 13, 2023 minutes as written
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 2-0 in favor
Appearances:
Jim Bibo, Bradford Member of the KRSD Municipal Budget Committee. Jim appeared to report on the KRSD budget process as it affects Bradford. The overall 2024 KRSD budget is up almost 6%, $3M from 2023. Bradford’s percentage has gone down from 10% to about 9% which equals about $267K of the total. This could change as all revenues are not in and there is an estimated turn back of $2.8M at the end of the year. Total budget for the coming year will be about $54M. Traditionally about half of the budget is paid by Federal and State sources.
Walter Royal, Bradford Building Inspector. The Board signed building permits. Walter brought up certification on non-asbestos roofing. The Board agreed that certification of non-asbestos roofing would be the responsibility of the owner and not the Town. Walter asked that he be allowed to expedite heating system replacement permits in the winter. The Board agreed. Walter will draft language to reflect these changes.
Lois Kilnapp, Transfer Station and Recycling Center Manager. All is well at the Transfer Station and Recycling Center.
Steve Hall, Road Agent, Highway Department Update. About 14% of the Highway budget remains.
Gravel. Steve recommended that some of the 2023 operating budget surplus be used to purchase gravel at a lower cost than it will be next later. The Board would like more pricing information. Steve will report back at the next meeting.
Dump body on 2014 550 truck. Estimate for body is $12K with Highway supplying the labor. The Board asked for, and Steve will supply, cost information for the labor.
Municibid. Leaf sucker has a bid of $650, a welder has a bid of $275, boiler has a bid of $1,000. Mel asked for time to research the value of the boiler.
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to sell the leaf sucker for $650, the welder for $275, and the boiler for $1,000.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 2-1, Beth and Marlene, Aye, Mel, Nay
Karen will send Mel the boiler specifications.
Garage Doors. Steve presented costs and his plan for installing electric door openers over the next two years.
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to allow Steve to move ahead with installation of electric door openers and electrical work at the Highway garage, estimated to cost $5,390 this year.
Second: Beth Dows
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Ed Shaughnessy, Police Chief, Police Department Update. With 10% of the year remaining, just under 17% of the Police budget remains.
Incidents: Total of 717 calls for service, 13 assists, 15 open cases in court, 16 open investigations. Total numbers of cases will be fewer than last year, but court and investigations are up.
Grant: All radios have been purchased and are in use.
Highway Safety Grant: For DWI survey running for two weeks. Grant of $1K will be used until it runs out. Includes pay, payroll taxes, and retirement. There is a $10K grant for speeding and distracted driving that lasts for one year that began November 1.
Homeland Security Grant: Reimbursements have been received.
Promotion: Effective December 3, Officer Glen Drewniak will be promoted to Sergeant.
Expired Vests: Plan to purchase replacements with 2023 funds.
Public Input:
Chris Frey appeared to present a Right to Know request.
Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll manifest for review and signature. Complete
Town Hall Update: Slow progress on many final details.
Budget Process Update: The Board received a list of warrant articles based on what the CIP recommends. CIP hearing is November 28 at the Planning Board meeting.
Trust Funds: Discussion about confusion surrounding funds available within Library and Cemetery trust funds. Board agreed to meet with the Trustees of the Trust Funds, Cemetery Trustees and NH Attorney General’s Trust Division after January 1, 2024.
New Business:
New Checking Account. As was discussed at earlier meetings, the Town is moving forward opening a new checking account.
Motion: Beth Downs moved to open a new checking account at Bar Harbor Bank and Trust to serve as the Town’s operating account. Further, to close the existing checking account ending in 4870 upon request of the Treasurer.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Unanticipated Funds.
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $952 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 31:95-b from the restitution payment for the misuse of a gas card.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $5,612.13 in unanticipated revenue from NHSaves per RSA 31:95-b which represents the incentive payment for energy efficiency improvements at the Highway garage.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $2677.85 in unanticipated revenue from The State of New Hampshire per RSA 31:95-b for a Police Department grant reimbursement.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Intent to Cut Map 11 Lot 44 was signed.
Letter of Support for Capital Area Mutual Aid Compact was signed.
Next Board meetings are December 11 and December 18. Budget Committee/Select Board meeting is December 14.
Adjourn
Motion: Beth Downs moved to adjourn the meeting
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary