Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm.
Roll Call: Beth Downs (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle (remote)
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Review Minutes of November 27, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to accept the October 23, 2023 minutes as written.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: All in favor, 3-0
Review Minutes of December 4, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to accept the December 4, 2023 minutes as written.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: All in favor, 3-0
Appearances:
Devin Pendleton – Parks & Recreation. Devin appeared to announce the award winners of the Bradford Holiday Lights Contest. Congratulations to the winners of the People’s Choice Award – 127 Old Warner Road. They received the Copper Boot trophy and $200 cash donated by the Appleseed Restaurant. The Spirit of Christmas Award went to 67 Deer Valley Road. They received a $50 gift card donated by the 121 Shop. The Clark Griswold Award went to 56 West Main Street and they received a $50 gift card to Market Basket donated by an anonymous donor. Devin thanked all who participated.
Harry Wright – Historical Society. Harry appeared with members of the Historical Society and Derek Lick of Orr&Reno Law Partners to discuss with the Board the possibility of securing the property adjacent to the Tin Shop for use by the Historical Society. This would involve the front portion of a 24-acre plot owned by the Town. To this end, Derek Lick prepared a draft of an easement document. Mel discussed with Harry the possibility that a zoning variance might be needed for the Town to access the back portion of the property. Derek Lick spoke to the goal of the easement plan which is to give the Historical Society use of the property. The Board agreed to the proposal in concept, to give it some thought, and to have town counsel review the easement documents.
Walter Royal – Building Inspector. Walter appeared to receive signed permits. He also discussed proposed changes in permit requirements. The first was to remove 8 X 12 and smaller sheds from the buildings requiring permits unless electrical and/or plumbing is installed. Second, to begin a process to exempt roofs that have been replaced with non-asbestos roofing from future permit requirements. To qualify for this the new roofing must be certified asbestos free by the manufacturer. Any exempted structures must still require a notification to the town so that any reports of construction may be accounted for by checking the list of permit exemptions. Lastly, to exempt heating, electrical, and plumbing emergency repairs/replacements from the normal Select Board review during the heating season.
Bryan Nowell – Fire Department Update.
Incidents: To date 188 total, last year’s total was 205. In December so far there have been six incidents, all EMS calls-motor vehicle incidents.
Weatherization and roof repair. Aero-barrier is about 90% complete. Roof repair has been done.
Hazard Mitigation Committee. Bryan has heard from about 80% of the volunteers for the committee and has been sitting in on Warner’s hazard mitigation committee meetings to prepare for Bradford’s hazard mitigation work.
FEMA grant follow through. Bryan is working to secure the $2500 grant the Town received.
EMT certifications. Several members of the department, about 80%, now have EMT certification or are working toward certification.
Budget. 30% of the Fire and Rescue budget remains.
Questions: Mel asked about personal protection equipment (PPE) for the department. Bryan said that 100% of department, all 17 members, now have equipment. The goal is to replace equipment as it expires so that all the equipment does not need to be replaced at one time. This would require replacing two to three sets of gear per year.
Ed Shaughnessy – Police Department Update. Edwill appear on December 18th.
Steve Hall – Highway Department.
Budget. About 10% of the Highway budget remains. Outstanding expenses to be paid this year include electrical work, garage door repair, gravel, fence repair at the fire pond off Route 114/Old Warner Road, and West Main Street, and new fencing for Brown Shattuck Field. Steve reported estimates to replace the truck body on the 2014 F550. The work will be done by Hillsboro Ford for approximately $15K. Funds have already been appropriated.
Beaver damage: There are beavers creating problems on Route 114, West Road and Davis Road. Nikki Dubaere spoke to the beavers contributing to the culvert problem on 114. The problem involves capturing the beavers on private property. Karen is concerned with the liability of the town when the person capturing the beaver enters private property. Karen will work with the Town’s insurance provider and Town Counsel to ensure the Town is appropriately protected.
Public Input:
None.
Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature, signed.
Town Hall Update, Karen reported that work is winding down. Electricians and painters are finalizing their work. Karen is expecting a certificate of occupancy by the end of the month.
Review November Expenses, expenses are in line with the budget.
Budget Process Update
Board recommended changes to the CIP/Warrant Articles:
Police vehicle: discussion of when to replace vehicles;
Road Work, $464,699 reduced to $322,822,
Library Carpet reduce $10K to 0.
Police Dept New Cruiser reduced from $60,000 to $50,000
Fire Department SCBA reduced $40,000 to $30,000.
Town Hall furniture, $25,000 reduced to $15,000.
Gravestone repair: Reduce $500 to 0.
Board recommended changes to the 2024 budget,
Economic Development Committee, reduced from $1500 to $500.
Planning and Zoning, reduced from $16,349 to $13,349
Government Bldgs, contract services, itemize $44K
Government Bldgs, Town Hall repairs and expenses, itemize $30K
Police Department, Overtime, reduced from $24,514 to $18,000
Fire Department, Part time wages, reduced from $36,000 to $29,000
Fire Department, Repairs and Maintenance – vehicles, reduced from $15,000 to $10,000
Fire Department, Repair & Maint – bldg. reduced from $6,000 to $4,000
Fire Department, Equipment purchases, reduced from $5,500 to $3,000
Rescue Squad, reduced total from $10,150 to $6,000
Rescue – contract services, $110,000 reduced to $95,000
Building Department – Code enforcement, $26,550 reduced to $24,000
Highway Department – Overtime wages, $25,500 reduced to $23,000
Highway Department — Conferences and Seminars $1,000 reduced to $0
Highway Department – Contract services general $30,000 reduced to $27,500
Highway Department – Supplies, $20,000 reduced to $15,000
Solid Waste Collection – Equipment Repairs and Maintenance $6,000 reduced to $2500
New Business:
BACC plumbing repairs, The Board gave Karen permission to repair faucets and toilets in the bathrooms.
2022 Audit, Signed
Accept Unanticipated Revenue ($400)
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $400 in unanticipated revenue received in the amount of (4) $100 Amazon gift cares per RSA 31:95-b to be used for office supplies.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Sign Sanders Searches LLC Agreement, signed
Sign Abatement Form Map 11 Lot 76 Site 33, signed
Sign Intent to Cut Map 11 Lot 42, signed
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to enter nonpublic session per RSA91-A:311(a) at 9:55 pm.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0, all approved
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to return to public session at 10:14 pm.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0, all approved
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:14 pm.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0, all approved
Upcoming meeting: December 18, 2023 Public Hearing – Unanticipated Revenue
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford