Meeting called to order at 7:00pm
Roll Call- Michael James, John Pfeifle, Jason Allen, Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, and Marilyn Gordon, Town Treasurer, were in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
Appearances:
- Will Davis, from Horizons Engineering, appeared to discuss an engineering proposal to address water runoff concerns on Cochran Hill. Horizons original proposal incorporated a plan to realign the intersection of High Street, Water Street and Cochran Hill. After discussion with the Board, and Steve Hall, Town Road Agent, Horizons will rework their proposal to focus on a drainage design that addresses the existing situation with a short-term solution, but would also works towards a mid-term and permanent roadway design. The revised proposal is due back on January 9th for review at the January 13, 2020 meeting.
Regular Business:
- Minutes from the December 2, 2019 meeting were reviewed.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to approve the minutes.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- The Board reviewed a Highway document with Steve Hall, which ranks the condition and priority of Bradford’s road infrastructure.
- Steve updated the Board regarding several vehicle repairs done recently which may result in expenses over budget in 2019. Jason advocated having the ability to utilize the Highway Expendable Trust for equipment repairs in the future to manage a situation where there is an over expenditure. He proposed a Warrant Article be submitted for this. Karen will review the existing trust language.
- The Selectmen discussed the 2019 expenses against the budget. There are some risks associated and all Departments have been asked not to expend any additional funds unless absolutely necessary.
- Ann Eldridge, of the Conservation Commission, spoke with the Selectmen regarding a land donation proposal for Map 9/Lots 20 & 22.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to have the Conservation Commission move forward with accepting the donation and placing the land in conservation.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Ann also discussed Zoning Violation complaints submitted to the Board. The Code Enforcement Officer will verify the property owner in question has received a letter sent by the Board addressing the violations and the Board will determine next steps after the holidays.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to have the Police Department hand deliver the letter mailed.
Motion rescinded
- Ann asked the Board to re-establish a $1,000 budget amount in the General Fund to support the Conservation Commission. This amount had traditionally been requested on the floor, and approved, during Town Meeting. The amount will be added to the General Budget for discussion.
- The Conservation Commission requested the Board hold a Public Hearing regarding designating Emergency Lanes on Class VI roads.
- Karen and Chief Valiquet reviewed RSA 287-A which outlines a permit requirement when selling raffle tickets when the drawing would be in excess of 12 hours after the sale of raffle tickets.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to rough out a policy and process.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Board discussed whether to budget for computer equipment replacement utilizing a proposed contract from Certified Computer Services or to budget the equipment in a different manner.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Karen updated the Board concerning a Planning Board computer replacement which is needed to replace a unit that has failed. The Board supported holding off on the purchase until 2020.
- Michael outlined an initiative underway to improve the “Welcome to Bradford” signage. Michael read a letter into record from Claire James that outlines the desire to replace the Welcome to Bradford signs. The letter summarized the history, project support and a desire to receive project support from the Selectmen. Once support is obtained Claire will move forward with obtaining quotes to support a potential Warrant Article submission. Michael will bring a rendering of the sign to the next Selectmen’s meeting.
- Town Hall update: The asbestos test results on the roofing shingles are underway. One third of the basement insulation was completed. There was a discrepancy in understanding the scope of work between the contractor and the Town and the Board will not move forward insulating the rest of the basement. Going forward the Board discussed having contractors present any new work proposals in front of the Board for an opportunity to discuss the scope of work being completed prior to accepting a quote. The Board discussed the pending clean up activity on the exterior which includes moving the Irving propane tank, cleaning up wood blocking and excess granite and removing the fencing. The dumpster the Town pays for will be removed. The porta-potty will remain on site until after the roofers leave.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to have Steve Hall move any remaining granite out behind the building.
Second: John Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Michael James motioned to have the Highway Department take down the fence if it is not removed by December 17th, 2019.
Second: No second – Karen will follow up with the fence company.
- John reviewed items for the Selectmen’s quarterly update article for The Bridge.
- John provided an update on the disposal contract with Naughton & Sons. A revised contract, eliminating an increase to tipping fees in year four and five, was negotiated.
- The Board will move forward with a standardized employee evaluation form.
- The Board discussed their meeting schedule. Meetings will continue every other week through March.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to meet December 30th, 2019, then January 13th, 27th and February 10th and 24th, 2020.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Board signed a Current Use application.
- A Solar Exemption was signed by the Selectmen.
- An Abatement request was signed as recommended by the Assessor.
- Michael received feedback from the certified mechanic outlining an anticipated time frame of one hour per piece of equipment at $75 an hour.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to make the expenditure in 2020.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to move forward with Paul Saucier for a 2020 expense, to inspect 6-8 vehicles, one day’s worth of inspections.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- The Board signed an abatement per the Tax Collector’s recommendation. Property taxes had been billed, and paid, by the wrong property owner. John asked that Karen review whether there are any RSA’s concerning refunding inaccurately bill property taxes.
- The Board signed a property tax refund where a duplicate payment was received.
- The Selectmen signed Timber Tax Warrant’s for 7 lots.
- Karen provided an update on the Bradford Community Center building. The elevator failed resulting in approximately $1,500 in repair expense. The Community Action Program has purchased a new commercial dishwasher for the building ($3,500), driven by a need for a sanitizing dishwasher identified during a site inspection. They have asked the BACC to do the install which is estimated at $2,500. Chief Valiquet is researching whether the dishwasher is really needed. The Board felt that CAP should pay for the installation. The stove hood was also inspected ($350), which should be done twice a year.
- Karen requested payout of one week of vacation time.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to approve one week of vacation payout.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Karen provided an update on the Bement Bridge project. She asked the Board whether they wanted to bids to be delivered electronically or an in-person process to receive and open bids. The Board elected to collect the bids electronically. The project will go out to bid in late February, with bids due back in late March. Construction is anticipated to start in May.
Public Input:
- Laurie Colburn asked the Selectmen to explore placing a Community Bulletin Board in the lower level hallway of the Community Center. The Selectmen were supportive of the idea and Laurie will research whether there are any restrictions that would prohibit this addition.
- Tom Dunne appeared outlining a concern with the amount of his property taxes. He asked the Board to provide details on what his property is taxed at the amount it is being taxed at. The Board will follow up with the Assessor and add Tom to the agenda as soon as the information is available.
Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn at 9:18pm.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 7:00pm, at the Bradford Community Center
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary