Select Board Minutes 03.29.11
March 30, 2011
Minutes
March 29th, 2011
Selectmen’s Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: Harold Wright, Chairman; Jack Meaney, Selectman; Barry Wheeler, Selectman
The meeting opened at 5:30pm.
1. Marlene Freyler reported on receiving three inquires regarding fireworks for Independence Day. She will return with more information next week.
2. Will Trueax and Kyle Whitehead met with selectmen regarding repairs to the Bement Bridge. The men outlined the problems they observed and asked the Board what the Town’s plan was. At this time, the town has not received a final review from the State Department of Transportation. If the town were to make the repair under the Municipal Bridge Program, it would need to follow a formal process of engineering/permitting and contractor selection. The following question was asked: If the town chose to handle the matter itself would the state allow the bridge to be returned to active service? Cheryl will check with the state bridge department.
The Selectmen reviewed and signed payable and payroll manifests
The Board signed letters to the Kearsarge Area Preschool terminating its lease on June 30, 2012 and a letter to The Children’s Center for Creative Learning to delay the beginning of their lease until July 1, 2012.
The Board signed a property assessment abatement for Mapleview Development.
Reports from ETAP’s Peregrine Engineering were offered to the public regarding energy improvements for the town hall and the community center. Information gathered by IBEA last fall was used to give the Board of Selectmen options to consider. No decisions made.
The Board went to non public session per RSA 91A3II d to discuss tax deeding matters with citizens at 6:15pm by unanimous vote.
Board returned from non pubic session at 7:00pm. Legal counsel will be contacted and the tax payers will be notified.
Select Board Agenda 03.29.11
March 28, 2011
March 29, 2011
Selectmen’s Meeting
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Review minutes
Appearances:
1. Marlene Freyler Independence Day
Regular business
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll manifest for review
2. Preschool Lease termination for signature
3. Letter to Children’s Center for review
Select Board Minutes 03.24.11
March 25, 2011
Minutes of the March 24th Board of Selectmen’s meeting
The Board of Selectmen met to at 5:30pm in the town hall.
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: Harry Wright, Chairman; Jack Meaney, Selectman; Barry Wheeler, Selectman.
Minutes of the March 16th were reviewed. Minutes accepted with the following corrections:
Add – Mark Goldberg apologized to the Board for poor behavior at the Town Meeting. He noted that were he an employee, disciplinary action would have been taken, but as a volunteer the procedure was unclear. He offered to make a financial contribution to a local charity. No charity was defined by the Board of Selectmen and no decision was made.
Correct – Mark Goldberg discussed the Rescue Squad’s progress. The minutes incorrectly identify the shifts needing coverage. The weekends and nights are currently fully covered. The per diem workers would cover the weekday daytime hours.
Note: comments in quotes are paraphrased
Harry Wright began the meeting on the preschool with a historic timeline of BACC Governance development.
Cheryl Behr asked to document a few facts with the BACC Governance Board Chairman before proceeding with the lease discussion.
Questions for the Governance Board: Discussions at the March 24th meeting are in Bold. The remaining paragraphs were presented to the audience of the March 24th meeting and the questions were posed to the BACC Governance Board Chairman, Bruce Edwards. All questions were asked of Mr. Edwards to document the current status of discussions with Carol Adams and the grant preparations.
Edwards was not able to answer many of the questions as the BACC Board had not voted on the items at this time. They will be holding a meeting in Mid April (12th?) and will have these answers then; when answered this information will be reported to the Board of Selectmen and placed in the BACC file for future reference.
The entire issue of authority over the Community Center has centered around the lack of formal documentation by the selectmen or the BACC Governance Board. The following questions were presented because there is no formal record of BACC minutes answering these questions. (March minutes not available on the website on March 24th).
In the spirit of transparency, these questions (and the answers) will be attached to the Selectmen’s minutes and the BACC files for future reference. The BACC Governance Board online minutes do not reflect any of this information.
Following are the questions asked
1. Does Carol Adams speak for the Governance Board? – She has been asked to address certain issues. No vote
2. Has the Governance Board voted to ask Carol Adams to apply for a grant with the NH Charitable Foundation? Not yet
a. What is the amount of the grant – about $14,000
b. What is the purpose of the grant – i.e. any job descriptions? To get the governance board up and running and increase volunteerism
c. What is the length of time covered by the grant? Uncertain answer
3. If #2 is yes, has a contractual agreement been made with Ms. Adams to complete the work? no
a. Is this agreement in writing no
b. How many hours at what rate – i.e. contract vs. wages Conditions of each Not available at this time
c. How and when paid? Not Available at this time
d. Grant writing fee paid additionally from grant proceeds? Not Available at this time
4. Has the Governance Board voted to accept the conditions of the grant? Not Available at this time
5. Have the Friends of the BACC voted to act as fiscal agents for the grant and to accept the condition for reporting and oversight? Not Available at this time
a. Will this oversight include supervision of any contractor or employee paid under the grant funds? Not Available at this time
b. Where will the record keeping be kept? Not Available at this time
Ms. McKevitt, a private citizen attending the BACC meetings, stated ‘the atmosphere in the room was not negative’ (paraphrase) with regards to the topic of applying for the grant. The grant is due to be submitted on April 1, 2011. It was unclear whether the BACC Governance Board would meet before the grant was submitted.
Harry Wright moved on to the topic of the Preschool leases. He explained that due to timing the town now had two valid leases. One lease had not been terminated timely, and by default continued, while another valid lease was signed for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. The Select Board was faced with alternatives.
#1. To honor one of the two leases.
#2. Working through both with a compromise.
The Board felt that a litigation situation existed with either party. Contact with town counsel indicated the wording of the lease as it existed did not include several pertinent items. State statutes requiring exemptions in place to exclude the tenants from property tax obligations and the terms of the lease (termination issues) needed to be added to avoid future date related issues. Questions regarding tax implication and calculations were discussed. The town will have assessors provide information to prorate taxes for each unit. Question was raised regarding the outdoor play area and Karen Hambleton of the Preschool indicated the play area was available to all children and should not be part of the tax obligation.
The motion was made by Harry Wright to honor the KAP lease through July 1, 2012, to create a notice of termination now to terminate the KAP lease on that date and to amend the Children’s Center for Creative Learning lease to delay in the start date of their lease to July 1 2012. Motion was made, vote was unanimous.
Questions were raised of the authority of the Board of Selectmen to enter into this future negotiation following the March 9th vote of the Town Meeting. Harry Wright stated the lease was signed prior to Town Meeting and the Board would see out its responsibility to correct the situation. Future leases can be negotiated by the Governance Board – but the Board of Selectmen must still approve them.
The issue of lease breaking or modification with the Children’s Center will be handled as a separate issue of ligation. All future leases will now include an automatic termination date.
Motion was made to move to non public session per RSA 91 A-3II c. Time out 7:00pm
Board returned from non public session at 7:50pm. No personnel decision made.
Select Board Agenda 03.24.11
March 23, 2011
March 24, 2011
Selectmen’s Meeting
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Review minutes
Appearances:
Regular business
1. Accounts payable manifest and payroll manifest for review
2. MS2 Appropriations Actually Voted by the Town for signature
3. Preschool Lease for review
4.
Library Activities 05.11
March 23, 2011
Storytime every
Monday at 10:00 AM
and
Wednesday at 10:30 AM
_________________________
Wednesday, May 4
Friends of the Library Annual Meeting, 5:0o PM
***************
Friday, May 6
Book-to-Movie Discussion Letters to Juliet, 7:00 PM
****************
Wednesday, May 11
Book Group Tracks by Louise Erdrich, 7:00 PM
****************
Friday, May 13
Children’s Literacy Foundation Storytelling Event and Presentation of books received from the grant, at KRES Bradford and Kearsarge Area Preschool, various times
******************
Sunday, May 15
Portraits of Main Street Bradford Art show reception, 11:30 AM
*********************
Friday, May 20
International Movie Shall We Dance? (Japan), 7:00 PM
*********************
Saturday, May 28
BOOK SALE, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Conservation Commission Minutes 03.15.11
March 23, 2011
Bradford Conservation Commission Meeting Notes
Date: March 15, 2011
Time: 7pm
Location: Brown Memorial Library
Present: Meg Fearnley, Brooks McCandlish, J. Ann Eldridge, Carol Meise.
Absent: Andrea LaMoreaux, Nathanial Bruss, Perry Teele.
Members of the public attending: Mary Keegan Dayton, Phyllis Wilcox, Audrey
Sylvester, Bill Glennie, Beth Rodd. Seth Benowitz, Patty Furness, Beth McGuinn (ASLPT).
Conservation: Beth McGuinn explained conservation easements as Brooks McCandlish and Meg Fearnley signed documents for Sillars/McCandlish and Fearnley conservation easements, adding nearly 500 acres of conserved land to Bradford. These properties border the New Forestry easement, part of the Pillsbury/Sunapee Highlands complex of conserved land. The Rural Heritage Connection of Bradford assisted Meg financially in
completing her easement. Mary Keegan Dayton took notes for an article for the Bridge. A public tour of these properties is scheduled for September 1.
There was discussion on how to promote further easements on appropriate properties. A program for the public and key landowners was proposed, to be held in June. A list of landowners potentially interested in protecting their properties will be drafted.
Secretary’s Report: Draft minutes from February 15, 2011 were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Interest earned.
Elections: Elections of Conservation Commission officers were as follows: Nathanial Bruss, chair; Meg Fearnley; treasurer. J. Ann Eldridge, secretary. Motion made, seconded and approved unanimously to ask Selectmen to appoint Seth Benowitz to full member, replacing Perry Teele.
Correspondence/workshop announcements:
• NH Annual Land Conservation Conference ‘Saving Special Places’ will be
held Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the Kearsarge High School in Sutton. Nathanial interested in attending, also possibly Seth and Ann.
• Wildlife Action Plan presentation in Washington March 16. Seth to attend.
• Conference on water and watersheds, Plymouth NH March 28. Seth to attend.
Attendees will be reimbursed for workshop attendance fees.
Planning Board: Brooks and Seth attended the Planning Board meeting on March 8. There was preliminary discussion of an automotive salvage (junk) yard by Martin Chivers, Breezy Hill Road. The property is within the Residential/Business and Rural Residential Zones. Phil Lamoreaux, Chairperson, advised that the follow restrictions apply: the Shoreline Protection Act requires a 250’ setback from Warner River; junkyards are not permitted in the Residential/Business zone without a variance; within
the Rural Residential zone, junkyards are permitted by special exception only. If Mr. Chivers decides to pursue a special exception and or variance, a public hearing will be scheduled once a complete application is accepted by the ZBA.
Programs: Cynthia Bruss is available to speak on several topics. It was voted to invite her to give public presentation at the library in April on ‘Wildlife in Your Backyard’.
Several dates suggested. Nathanial will contact her.
Selectmen: The Selectmen signed a note granting permission for individuals designated by the Conservation Commission to burn brush on conservation and town forestlands.
The Bradford Springs Hotel site is the current need.
Update of NRI: A subcommittee meeting was held on March 5 with Bill Duffy (Northern Geomantics) Brooks, Seth, Nathanial, and Ann reviewed maps and made suggestions.
Andrew Pinard offered assistance putting events and materials on the town website. Suggested items include: hikes and programs to be put under the ‘events’ listings; the trail map; Battles Farm brochure from ASLPT www.ausbonsargent.org; the Natural Resource Inventory as it is completed.
Adjourned: 9:30
respectfully, J. A. Eldridge
Town Meeting Minutes 03.09.11
March 23, 2011
Town of Bradford
State of New Hampshire
Town Warrant and Minutes of Town Meeting March 08, 2011
The Polls opened at 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on March 08, 2011. To the inhabitants of the Town of Bradford in the County of Merrimack in said State qualified to vote in town affairs;
You are hereby notified to meet at the Bradford Elementary School on Old Warner Road in said Bradford, NH on Tuesday, the eighth of March next, at eight o’clock in the morning to act on Articles 1-6. You are further notified to meet on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Bradford Elementary School on the Old Warner Road to discuss, debate and act upon the remaining Articles.
Article 1. To choose all necessary Town officials for the ensuing year.
Moderator Brackett Scheffy 306 Elected
Sarah Dimitriadis 95
Selectman Peter Fenton 167
Barry Wheeler 247 Elected
Supervisor of the Checklist Jacqueline Welsh 372 Elected
Trustee of the Trust Funds Thomas Riley 385 Elected
Trustee of the Brown Memorial
Library-One Year Garry Kalajian 384 Elected
Trustee of the Brown Memorial
Library-3Years Connie Scheffy 360 Elected
Roderick Jones 261 Elected
Patricia Furness Write-in 29 Elected
Scholarship Committee Mary Keegan Dayton Write-in 29 Elected
Budget Committee-1 Year G. Richard Keller 319 Elected
Budget Committee-3 Years Elizabeth “Beth” Rodd 291 Elected
Jonathan Marden Write-in 90 Elected
Planning Board-1 Year Philip LaMoreaux 352 Elected
Planning Board-3 Years John Greenwood 305 Elected
William Glennie 285 Elected
Zoning Board-1 Year Andrew Pinard 317 Elected
Zoning Board-3 Years Nancy McEachern Write-in 20 Elected
Cemetery Commission Thomas Riley 377 Elected
Article 2. The Planning Board’s Amendment No. 1 Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 1 as proposed by the planning board for the Bradford Zoning Ordinance as follows: to add a Workforce Housing section to the Zoning Ordinance as required by RSA 674:58-61? The proposed ordinance would allow workforce housing in all zoning districts except the Conservation District and would allow the Planning Board to approve one or more incentives: smaller lot sizes, reduced setbacks and/ or reduced road frontage if the applicant demonstrates that the current regulations would make the cost of a project prohibitive for sale or rent to families who meet the guidelines. An assurance of continued affordability would be required for any approved project. ARTICLE DID NOT CARRY
Article 3. The Planning Board’s Amendment No. 2 Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 2 as proposed by the planning board for the Bradford Zoning Ordinance as follows: to change the definition of Buildable Acre to read: Buildable Land: For the purposes of calculating the minimum lot size: each lot shall contain a minimum of 1 contiguous acre of land, exclusive of wetlands, steep slopes, and floodplains (as defined in the ordinance). ARTICLE DID NOT CARRY
Article 4. The Planning Board’s Amendment No. 3 Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 3 as proposed by the planning board for the Bradford Zoning Ordinance as follows: to add a definition of Enlarge – to increase in any dimension – length, width, height, overall area or occupied floor area.
ARTICLE CARRIED
Article 5. The Planning Board’s Amendment No. 4 Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 4 as proposed by the planning board for the Bradford Zoning Ordinance that would allow building permits to be issued for specific lots that have no road frontage (those lots served only by the East Shore Footpath and the three islands on Lake Massasecum) and to require an acknowledgement of the limits of municipal liability to be recorded in the registry of deeds prior to the issuance of a building permit.
ARTICLE CARRIED
Article 6. The Planning Board’s Amendment No. 5 Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 5 as proposed by the planning board for the Bradford Zoning Ordinance as follows: allow wireless telecommunications facilities in forested areas to project 20 feet above the average tree canopy height in a one hundred and fifty (150) foot radius of the mount; exempt antennas that are free standing and 35 feet or less in height from the zoning ordinance; and allow new tower construction and co-location of wireless telecommunication in all districts by special exception subject to all applicable local, state and federal regulations and Site Plan Review approval by the Planning Board.
ARTICLE CARRIED
There was also a School Ballot. The Bradford results were as follows:
Question 1. To see if the School District will vote to raise and appropriate the Municipal Budget Committee’s recommended amount of $37,252,099 for the support of schools, for the payment of salaries for the school district officials and agents and for the payment for the statutory obligations of the District. The School Board recommends $37,561,701. This article does not include appropriations voted in other warrant articles. This warrant article asks the voters to raise and appropriate for the support of schools, the salaries of School District Officials and Agents, and for the statutory obligations of said District and to authorize the application against said appropriation of such sums as are estimated to be received for the State sources, together with other income, the School Board to certify to the Selectmen of each of the Towns of Bradford, New London, Newbury, Springfield, Sutton Warner, and Wilmot, the amount to be raised by taxation by said towns.
$37,561,701for the proposed Operation Budget recommended by the School Board 116
$37,252,099 for the proposed Operating Budget recommended by the Municipal Budget Committee 278
District wide the vote was for the lower Budget.
Question 2. To see if the School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to be placed in the Special Education Expendable Trust Fund, established in 2008 within the provisions of RSA 198:20-c for the purpose of emergency funding of unforeseen Special Education costs incurred by the District.(Municipal Budget Committee Recommends 4-3)(School Board Recommends 8-0)
216 Yes 195 No
District wide the article carried.
Question 3. To see if the School District will vote to raise and appropriate up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to be placed in the School Buildings Maintenance Fund for the purpose of repair, unanticipated utility costs, and maintaining the school buildings and equipment, with such amount to be funded from surplus funds remaining on hand as of June 30, 2011, (Municipal Budget Committee Recommends
4-3)(School Board Recommends 8-0)
219 Yes 198 No
District wide the article carried.
Question 4. Special Article To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) to be used to demolish the property at 169 Main St, New London (former SAU Building). Municipal Budget Committee Recommends 6-0) (School Board Recommends 5-1)
166 Yes 249 No
District wide the article carried.
Question 5. Citizen Petition This petition is to see if the School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seventy-five thousand and one hundred dollars ($75,100) to contract with the town of Sutton for the services of a position of School Resource Officer for the Kearsarge Regional School District. The School Resource Officer will be a sworn Police Officer assigned to the schools on a long-term basis trained to perform a variety of roles: 1) law-related educator 2) law-related counselor, and 3) law enforcement officer. In addition, the officer works in collaboration with the schools and the community as a resource for safety and security issues. The school; Resource Officer will assist the schools administration in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Wages: $40,000
Employers Retirement: $ 6,000
Medical Insurance: $21,000
Dental: $ 900
Medicare: $ 700
Life: $ 800
Uniforms: $ 3,000
Estimated Overtime $ 2,000
(Municipal Budget Committee Recommends 6-2)(School Board Recommends 6-1)
125 Yes 271 No
District wide the article did not carry.
There also was a vote for Moderator
Brackett Scheffy was the winner district wide with 72 write-in votes
Andrew Pinard won reelection to the School Board with 312 votes
Joseph P. Conway Jr. won reelection for the Municipal Budget Committee with 312 votes.
There were 431 ballots cast including 34 absentee.
Election officials present were Brackett Scheffy who was appointed after the resignation of John Steiner.
Mr. Scheffy opened the voting and turned it over to Assistant Moderator Fred Hubley. Others present were Peter Fenton, Harold Wright, and John Meaney Selectmen, Susan Pehrson Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Erica Gross Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Ruth Marden, Judith Marshall and Jacqueline Welsh, Supervisors of the Checklist, Robert Toppi, Ann Marie Ball, Marjorie Cilley, George Cilley, Phyllis Wilcox, Margaret Ainslie, Caroline Verity, Christopher Small, Harriet Douglass, Donald Jackson, and Lynda White Inspectors of the Election, Eileen Kelly, Marancy Pehrson, Mary Keegan-Dayton, and Marlene Freyler, ballot counters. Counting and recording ended at 1:45 A.M. Meeting was adjourned until 7:00 P.M. March 9, 2011.
The adjourned meeting opened at 7:10 with Sarah Dimitriadis as Moderator for the evening in the absence of Brackett Scheffy the newly elected moderator. The rules of procedure were outlined and the winners of the previous day were announced. There were a total of 167 registered voters in attendance. Robert Selig led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Peter Fenton requested that article 41 be brought to the front.
Article 41. To see if the Town of Bradford will vote to maintain the status, mission and operation of the Bradford Area Community Center as a taxpayer maintained building steered by a Governance board comprised of citizens, that building to provide space and social, recreation and educational programs for not-for-profit organizations, community groups, children, youth, families and older adults in the greater Bradford area. That the usage and development of the Bradford Area Community Center continue to be designated as an intergenerational community center that provides needed educational, social, medical, and human services to ALL individuals and their families in the greater Bradford Area and more specifically, that the Bradford Area Community Center available space not be permanently occupied, used or leased to for profit agencies, businesses or others that do not fit into said mission of the Bradford Area Community Center. BY PETITION
Carol Conforti-Adams, Jackye Pehrson, Sue McKevitt, and Karen Hambleton all spoke in favor of the article citing the original plan and the possible need to return to it, the good work that is done at the facility and the huge amount of people who avail themselves of the many community services offered at the center. Harry Wright pointed out that historically that the center was run by volunteers and it was to be cash neutral. He went on to say it would be nice to have the BACC fund all needs. When it was initially voted in there was to be very little or no cost to the town. In the last 10 years it has increased from $10,000 to $80,000. Cheryl Behr explained with the loss of so many members recently, many of the duties and controls had to be moved to the Selectmen’s office. Megan Hurley expressed her concern that no money was discussed with the CAPP group. She was assured that it had. James Lalla wanted to know if the money involved just maintainence, or did it include paying bills. Cheryl Behr affirmed that it was strictly for the maintainence on the building. The question was called by Christopher Frey. The assembly voted to call the question.
Article Carried
Harold Wright thanked Dawn Rich and Alexander Stewart for getting cabinets worth over $7,000.00 from Lowe’s Stores and installing them in the Community Center.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Million Forty Two Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars ($2,042,799.00) for the general municipal operation. This article DOES NOT include amounts appropriated by other warrant articles. (Majority vote required)
Selectmen Budget Committee
a. Executive 122,921.00 122,921.00
Proposed and Amended to 113,977.00 Article Carried
b. Elections and Vital records 6,030.00 6,030.00 Article Carried
c. Financial Administration 90,262.00 89,179.00
Amended to $80,918. Amendment not carried Article Carried
d. Revaluations 25,555.00 25,555.00 Article Carried
e. Legal 22,000.00 22,000.00
Proposed and Amended to 17,000.00 Article Carried
f. Employee Benefits- 297,492.00 297,442.00
Amended to $272,660.14. Amendment not carried Article Carried
g. Planning and Zoning 8,100.00 8,100.00 Article Carried
h. General Government Bldgs 50,400.00 50,400.00 Article Carried
i. Cemetery 18,065.00 18,065.00 Article Carried
j. Insurance 76,700.00 76,700.00 Article Carried
k. Other General Government 10,100.00 8,800.00 Article Carried
l. Police Department 315,163.00 315,163.00 Article Carried
m. Fire Department 59,250.00 59,250.00 Article Carried
n. Rescue Services 176,940.00 176,940.00 Article Carried
o. Building Code Department 10,325.00 9,325.00 Article Carried
p. Emergency Management 500.00 500.00 Article Carried
q. Highway Department 446,964.00 446,964.00
Proposed and amended to 403,225.00 Article Carried
r. Bridge Maintenance 25.00 25.00
Proposed and Amended to 22,025.00 Article Carried
s. Street Lighting 4,500.00 4,500.00 Article Carried
t. Solid Waste Collection 47,850.00 47,850.00 Article Carried
u. Solid Waste Disposal 52,000.00 52,000.00 Article Carried
v. Inoculations 250.00 250.00 Article Carried
w. Welfare Administration 3,914.00 3,914.00 Article Carried
x. Welfare Vendor Payments 31,386.00 31,386.00 Article Carried
y. Parks and Recreation 1,725.00 1,725.00 Article Carried
z. Library 62,525.00 62,525.00 Article Carried
aa. Patriotic Purposes 14,500.00 14,500.00
Amended to $7,000. Amendment not carried Article Carried
bb. Community Center 52,050.00 52,050.00 Article Carried
cc. Other Conservation 740.00 740.00 Article Carried
dd. Long Term Notes 35,000.00 35,000.00 Article Carried
ee. Interest on T.A.N. 3,000.00 3,000.00 Article Carried
Total 2,046,232.00 2,042,799.00
Amended Total 2,007,116.00 Article Carried
Article 8: Shall the town adopt the Disabled Exemption under the provisions of RSA 72:37-b as follows: The exemption from assessed value for qualified taxpayers shall be $10,000. To qualify, the person must meet the criteria under Title II or Title XVI of the federal social security act, must occupy the property as their principal place of abode, must own the property individually or jointly, must have been a resident for at least five years or if owned by a spouse, they must have been married for at least five consecutive years; in the calendar year preceding April 1 must not have had a net income from all sources, of more than $25,000 if single or $35,000 if married; and must not own net assets not in excess of ($50,000) excluding the value of the person’s residence. Majority Vote required.
Sue McKevitt wanted to know where the funding came from. Cheryl Behr explained that the current deduction was very low, and the money came from tax dollars.
Article Carried
Article 9. Shall the town of Bradford modify the elderly exemptions from property tax, based on assessed value for qualified taxpayers, to be as follows: for a person 65 years of age (effective April 1st of each year), through 74 years of age $25,000; for a person 75 years of age up to 80 years $40,000; for a person over 80 years of age or older $50,000.00. To qualify, the person must have been a resident of New Hampshire for at least three (3) consecutive years, own real estate individually or jointly, or if the real estate is owned by such person’s spouse, they must have been married to each other for at least five (5) consecutive years. In addition, the taxpayer must have a net income of not more than $25,000 or if married a combined net income of not more than $35,000; and own net assets not in excess of $50,000 (excluding the value of the person’s residence). Majority Vote required.
Colleen Hurley wanted to know if the deduction was for the primary residence only. She was told that it was. John Pfeiffle moved to not read the article again. Moderator Dimitriadis said she couldn’t comply.
Article Carried
Article 10. Shall the town adopt the Blind exemption of $15,000 from the assessed value of a person’s residential real estate for the qualified taxpayers. To qualify, the person must have been determined to be legally blind by the blind services program, bureau of vocational rehabilitation, department of education. Majority Vote required. Sue McKevitt asked why there was no money attached to this article and it was explained that it was only for those who were blind.
Article Carried
It was moved to bring Article #40 forward. Motion Carried.
Article 40. To see if the Town will vote to reinstate the BACC Director position to full time, as had been previously voted by the Town, inclusive of Parks and Recreation activities, and increase the budget by $31,845 to cover nine months of additional wages and employee benefits for the reinstated position. This article will be designated a special warrant article for this warrant. BY PETITION Board of Selectmen unanimously does not recommend. Budget Committee does not recommend (3 Yes – 4 No Votes) Sue McKevitt spoke for the reinstated full time hours of the director. Dawn Rich, and Andrew Pinard, also spoke in favor of the proposal. Jon Marden and John Pfeiffle both felt that the Community Center is an asset to the town. George Cilley felt the position is not necessary considering there is no monetary value to the town. Sue McKevitt questioned the amount of money and thought it was a high estimate. Cheryl Behr explained that it was correct as the operating budget covered the part time salary for the full year. Nancy McEachearn wanted to know if there was a job description available. Cheryl Behr stated that it was to oversee the building, rent out the rooms, do statistical reports, and schedule activities. The article was called. The assembly agreed to call the question. There was a call for a paper ballot. Erica Gross and Robert Toppi acted as ballot box attendees. They were assisted in the count by Jacqueline Welsh and Ruth Marden. The total vote was
61 Yes 87 No
Article Did Not Carry
Article 11. To see if the town will raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for the design of Bridge #161/145 on Breezy Hill Road. This will be a non lapsing appropriation until the money is spent or December 31, 2016 whichever occurs first. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Phil LaMoreaux questioned if this would be enough money. Cheryl Behr stated that it would be a beginning. Bill Glennie wanted to know if this was the lowest bid of the three submitted. This bid was chosen because the firm would be able to do both bridges involved. Cheryl Behr went on to say that the cost would be over $1,000,000. John Pfeiffle felt that perhaps it would be in the interest of the town to delay the article for another year. It was pointed out that if we didn’t have this money then it would be possible to lose the grant which would cover 80% of the cost to the taxpayers. Phil LaMoreaux pointed out that it was a very busy road and already had to close one bridge. This is their only access to their homes. Cheryl Behr added that there are at least two (2) businesses and over forty (40) homes on this road.
Article Carried
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a seven year lease/purchase agreement for Three Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Nine dollars ($364,739.000) for a grader and backhoe loader for the Highway Department and to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixty Thousand and Eighty Five dollars ($60,085.00) for the first year’s payment. This agreement contains a fiscal funding clause (escape clause). Passage of this article will cause Article 13,14,15,16 to be withdrawn and Article 20 to be reduced to Ten Thousand dollars ($10,000.00) Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee does not recommend. (3 Yes – 4 No votes ).
Robert Lincoln wanted to know what was wrong with the present grader. Jeff Remillard explained that it didn’t have a second gear and the tires were badly worn. When it got hot it didn’t have any forward gears. He had received an estimate from the dealer. Bliss Dayton observed that Article 16 made this article confusing. It was explained that a grader replacement was absolutely necessary. John Pfeiffle felt the whole thing was too much money. George Cilley explained that the Budget Committee felt it was important for the people to decide how they wanted their money spent. The Budget Committee realizes how important it is to have good running equipment but wants the voters to decide.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a seven year lease/purchase agreement for Ninety Two Thousand Thirty Four dollars ($92,034.00) for a backhoe loader for the Highway Department and to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixteen Thousand Two Hundred dollars ($16,200.00) for the first year’s payment. This agreement contains a fiscal funding clause (escape clause). Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee recommends. (3Yes Votes-1 abstained).
John Pfeiffle responded that he felt that it was too much money. Cheryl Behr explained that the Highway Department needs this equipment.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a seven year lease/purchase agreement for Two Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Five dollars ($272,705.00) for a grader for the Highway Department and to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Five dollars ($43,885.00) for the first year’s payment. This agreement contains a fiscal funding clause (escape clause). If this article passes article 16 will be withdrawn. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee Does Not recommend. (1Yes vote 2 No Votes – 1 abstained).
John Pfeiffle stated that this is the same thing all over again. Peter M. Fenton thinks the road crew does an excellent job and thinks they should get the equipment.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate Ninety Two Thousand Thirty Four dollars) ($92,034.00) for the purchase of a backhoe loader for the Highway Department; and to further withdraw Eighty Three Thousand dollars ($83,000.00) from the Highway Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve with the remaining Nine Thousand and Thirty Four dollars ($9,034.00) to be raised by taxation. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Phil LaMoreaux asked if the grader still works. Jeff Remillard stated that it does, but it is very tired. Bill Glennie stated that he felt that this was the correct way to purchase equipment. Save up for it and then but it as needed.
Article Carried
Article 16. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate Thirty Six Thousand dollars ($36,000.00) for the repair of the Town grader. This will be a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 2016 or until the money is expended whichever occurs first. If Article 12 or Article 14 passes this article will be withdrawn. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
John Pfeiffle wanted to know which of the preceding articles the board of selectmen and budget committee recommended, any, some, all? George Cilley explained that expenses came in on the 11th hour. The Budget Committee felt that a variety of choices would be the best option for the voters. Peter Fenton stated that there were not enough choices last year and consequently nothing was done. Selectmen wanted the first choice. Cheryl Behr explained that the Budget Committee can only approve up to 10% over the previous budget. Tate Sweet-Brown wanted to make an amendment to have the appropriation lapse on December 31, 2011. Amendment Not Carried.
Show of Hands. Article Carried
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eleven Thousand dollars ($11,000.00) for dust control. This will be a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 2016 or until the money is expended whichever occurs first. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee recommends (3Yes – 1 No Vote)
Colleen Hurley wanted to know what this is for. Jeff Remillard explained that it was for the calcium put on the dirt roads. Sue McKevitt wants to know what the process is. Jeff Remillard explained that it also helps to keep the dirt roads smooth so they required less grading. Perry Teele wanted to know where did the previous money go? John Pfeiffle also wanted to know why this is now an additional amount of money for a job that was always included in the highway department line item.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Four Thousand dollars ($24,000) to slip line a culvert on Davis Road. Selectmen recommend unanimously. Budget Committee unanimously recommends unanimously.
John Pfeifle asked what is the purpose of a slip culvert. Jeff Remillard explained that it would go inside the existing culvert and wouldn’t require permits.
Hand Count Yes 54 No 55
Article Did Not Carry
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Eight Thousand dollars ($48,000.00) to chip seal East Washington Road. This will be a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 2016 or until the money is expended whichever occurs first. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Sue McKevitt wanted to know why the article was non-lapsing until 2016. Cheryl Behr explained that it was standard wording to go five years out. JohnPfeifle wanted to postpone the passage of this article until next year if we have five years to do it.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 20: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) to fund the Highway Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve. If Article 15 is passed this article will be reduced to Ten Thousand dollars ($10,000) Majority Vote required. Selectmen recommend unanimously. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
The Article will be for Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00)
John Pfeifle felt that it was in the best interest of the tax rate to not put money into this article as we had just taken funds from it. Bliss Dayton stated that the town has to have savings. William Glennie felt the wrong article had been quoted and was assured that it was not. John Pfeiffle felt there was too much going into Capital Reserve this year. Sue McKevitt wanted to know how much was in Capital Reserve now.
$84,709.70 is now in the funds. Tate Sweetbrown asked if the Article was for $10,000 or $30,000. The correct amount is $10,000. Everett Kittredge spoke to the assembly about the importance of having Capital Reserve Funds.
Article Carried
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Four Thousand Dollars ($24,000.00) to purchase a new police cruiser. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Police Chief, Jim Valiquet explained what we have for cruisers at the present time and how tired they are. Back roads take a toll on the cars. Cheryl Behr asked if this was the last year the equipment transfer was possible. A new cruiser could be outfitted from one of the existing cruisers. After this year they will be changing the equipment. John Pfeiffle feels that the mileage for the cruisers does not warrant buying a new vehicle.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to be placed in the Winter Salt and Fuel emergency capital reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Cheryl explained that so far this year the town had spent $41,000.
Article Carried
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for Asphalt Road repair and shimming. This is a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 31, 2016 or until used whichever occurs first. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Jonathan Marden wanted to amend the article to $40,000. Amendment did not carry. Hand vote on article.
Article Carried
Article 24. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to be placed in the Bridge Emergency Repair Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Joseph Conway asked to have a total of expenditures thus far. Cheryl Behr answered $2,100,34.00 for warrant articles added to the running 2,217,150.00. Less the revenue $630,954.00 Total 1,586,000.
$7.24 would be the new town tax rate. John Pfeiffle added that this is historic with the amount of proposed Capital Reserve Warrant Articles we plan on voting on this evening.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 25. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for the Ambulance Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for the Town Facilities Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 27. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for the Emergency Repair of Town Buildings Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 28. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Thousand dollars ($20,000) to insulate and perform other maintenance repairs on the town hall. This will be a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 31, 2016 or until the money is spent whichever occurs first. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
William Glennie stated that this is an investment. George Cilley feels that something/anything should be done. Harold Wright stated that this is a good buy. John Pfeiffle suggested that tax payers could pay their taxes with wood. We are a rural community.
Article Carried
Article 29. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) for the Fire Dept Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee recommend unanimously.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to be placed in the Communications Capital Reserve Fund. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommend.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 31. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to fund the revaluation capital reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommend.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 32. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for the Fire Dept Building Repair Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommend.
Article Did Not Carry
Article 33. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Five thousand dollars ($45,000) to complete the Transportation Enhancement grant for sidewalks received in 2010. Thirty six thousand dollars ($36,000) will be from NH DOT Transportation Enhancement funds (80%) and the remaining Nine Thousand Dollars ($9,000.00) (20%) will come from Fund Balance. No money will be raised by taxation. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommend.
Cheryl Behr stated that last year the grant was $600,000.00 the state granted $645,000.00 Tom Grinley pointed that on the spreadsheet there was an amount of $.04. Cheryl Behr responded that she had copied it wrong.
Article Carried
Article 34. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to be deposited in the Main Street Sidewalk Improvements Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee. unanimously recommend.
Cheryl Behr explained that this money is necessary to have as a match of the TE Grant. John Pfeiffle asked if this wasn’t the same fund as the previous article. James Lalla wanted to know if we could use extra money on this article. Both questions were answered in the negative.
Article Carried
Article 35. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the Gravestone Repair Expendable Trust. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommend.
Article Carried
Article 36. To see if the municipality will vote to discontinue the New Highway Garage Capital Reserve created in 2002. Said funds, with accumulated interest to date of withdrawal, are to be transferred to the municipality’s general fund. (Majority Vote required). Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee recommends (6 Yes – 1No vote )
John Pfeiffle asked how much money is in the fund. Harry Wright told him the amount is $3381.00.
Article Carried
Article 37. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($2,750.00) for the Bradford Newbury Sutton Youth Sports. Majority Vote required. Selectmen recommend – two yes votes and one abstain. Budget Committee unanimously recommend.
Article Carried
Article 38. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for the Milfoil project at the Town Boat launch. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend. Budget Committee unanimously recommends.
John Pfeiffle stated that he would prefer the project take place at the north end of the lake. Harry Wright added that this article might better be named the boat inspection. Also, the milfoil is pretty well contained within two or three spots.
Article Carried
Article 39. Town hall restoration resolution – To see if the town will vote to support continued renovation and restoration of the two hundred plus year old Bradford Town Hall for future generations of town residents. Through grants, matching funds and capital reserves the town will systematically phase improvements to maintain the historic nature of this structure while improving the functionality of the space.
John Pfeiffle wanted to know if this was part of the previous article. He was told no. Everett Kittredge asked if this article meant that the police station would no longer be housed in this building. Cheryl Behr stated that it had nothing to do with the Police Station.
Article Carried
Article 42. To see if the town will vote to accept the reports of the Town Officers. To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.
Article Carried
Meeting Adjourned at Midnight.
Jonathan Marden, William Glennie, Nancy McEachern, Mary Keegan-Dayton, Philip LaMoreaux Jacqueline Welsh, Barry Wheeler, Andrew Pinard, and Roderick Jones were sworn in at the end of the meeting.
Bradford Board of Selectmen
Peter Fenton, Chairman
Jack Meaney
Harold Wright
A True Copy Attest:
Susan Pehrson
Town Clerk/Tax Collector
BACC April 2011 Calendar
March 21, 2011
. Monthly Calendar – April 2011
Fri. Apr. 1
6:00-7:00 PM – Laughter Yoga – Free introductory Class
Tues. Apr. 5
9:00 AM – 12:00 noon – Fuel Assistance – Call 456-2207 for appointment
1:00- 3:30 –PM – Watercolor Class
6:00 – 7:30 – Yoga Class – 6:00 – call Fran at 456-3099 for information
Wed. Apr. 6
3:30 PM – Kids Yoga
6:00 PM – Special Party
Sat. Apr. 9
9:00 AM – Writing Group
10:00 AM – Bradford Barter
Mon. Apr. 11
3:30 PM – Watercolor Painting Class
7:00 PM – Rural Heritage
Tues. Apr. 12
5:00 PM – Bradford Area Community Center – Committee meeting
6:00 – 7:30 – Yoga Class – 6:00 – call Fran at 456-3099 for information
Wed. Apr. 13
3:30 PM – Kids Yoga
Mon. Apr.18
5:30 PM – 4 – H
Tues. Apr. 19
9:00 AM -12:00 noon -Fuel Assistance – Call 456-2207 for appointment
6:00 PM – Yoga Class
Thurs. Apr. 21
10:30 AM – Noon – Blood Pressure Clinic
Sat. Apr.23
8:00-10:00 AM – Bunny Brunch
9:00 AM – Writing Group
Tues. Apr. 26
6:00 – 7:30 – Yoga Class – 6:00 – call Fran at 456-3099 for information
For scheduling activities at the BACC, please call Director Kate Dobrowski at 938-6228
Select Board Minutes 03.15.11
March 20, 2011
March 15, 2011
Selectmen’s Meeting
Attendance; Harold Wright, Jack Meaney, Barry Wheeler
First order of business, Welcome the new Selectman, Barry Wheeler
Second, Harold Wright has been appointed Chairman of the board.
Overseeing of the departments will be on a rotating schedule,
Highway
Planning\BACC
Budget
CIP
P.D, Fire & Rescue
Selectmen’s Office
Appearances;
1. BACC – Bruce Edwards identifies himself as the Chairman of their governance board.
Interpretation of Article #41, Jack – “staff & functions are the governance boards responsibility, building maintenance is the Selectmen’s Office responsibility.”
Adams – “the budget that was voted on includes the director pay, which will be the Selectmen’s responsibility.”
Harold Wright – “the petition was entered so late that counsel had no time to correct the wording, so budget responsibility is left to the Selectman.”
2. Preschool- Hambleton – “Opposed to contract with private organization. States that she was not informed in a timely manner of the Selectmen’s decision in the pursuit of proposals to rent the preschool room.”
Adams – “the governance board was not informed, so that they could be involved, and it is the Governance boards that should be making these decisions not the Selectmen.”
Harold Wright – “Ms. Hambleton was informed first in the month of September. The Selectmen are trying to increase the income for the center.”
Edwards – “we do not want private in the building.”
Fred Hubley – “no rent rate was discussed.”
Harold Wright – “rental rates were discussed with all three applicants.”
Adams – “BACC is not for profit”
Hambleton – “contract not valid with respondent as the present contract was not properly terminated.”
Harold Wright – “ we will do a legal review and readdress later.”
The backhoe purchase order has been issued, order placed for a 410 John Deer.
Ann Eldridge asked for permission to burn brush on Town property, the Selectmen said yes with the fire warden’s approval.
Bement Bridge – Kyle Whitehead plans to come back with his partner to submit a proposal for the repair of the bridge.
Mark Goldberg – News about the Rescue Squad, Mark is still talking with Henniker Rescue Chief, Tom French, may be able to come to some agreement for rescue coverage. Weekends and night are the hardest to cover.
Nancy Mceachern – understands the need for more volunteers, and will spearhead the research on how to recruit people, and show appreciation for the people already helping.
Select Board Agenda 03.15.11
March 14, 2011
Agenda
Selectmen’s Meeting
March 15, 2011
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Housekeeping duties: Welcome Barry Wheeler as Selectman. Vote a Chairman – Meeting Schedules – Department Assignments
Appearances:
1. BACC
2. Marlene Freyler regarding fireworks
Regular Business:
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature.
2. Discussion on Revolving Loan Fund contract changes
3. Review of Town Meeting directives
4. Personnel Policy review
5. Backhoe purchase order issued
6. Bridge update – West Road, Covered Bridge and Breezy Hill Road
7. Non Public Session per RSA 91A3IIc – Personnel complaints
