THRC Minutes 06.28.12
June 29, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
TOWN HALL RESTORATION COMMITTEE
JUNE 28, 2012
2:00PM
The Town Hall Restoration Committee met at 2:00pm in the Town Hall after cleaning and setting up for the July 7th Art Show. Those in attendance were Eileen Kelly, Chair, Beth Rodd, Marcia Keller, Caryl Walker, Dick Keller, Phyllis Wilcox, Michele Halsted and Marge Cilley, Secretary.
Discussion and plans for being at the tent at the Town Hall on the 7th of July with informational brochures regarding the Restoration of the Town Hall as well as selling caps, Raffle tickets and accepting donations and pledges. The Art Show will be from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and the tent will be manned during that time. Caryl Walker will make a banner for the tent. Discussion took place regarding other places in town to be visible and available to hand out brochures etc.
Michele Halsted advised she has been in touch with Terry Knowles regarding a tax free legal method of accepting money for the Town Hall Restoration.
Fund Raising ideas were discussed at length.
Application for Seven to Save is due in September and after talking with Rick Monahon, Architect on Monday evening, an up-dated cover letter will be drawn up.
A Fund Raising Press release should be put in the local papers as well after talking with the Architect.
Other topics discussed were the existing Fire Alarm system at the Town Hall and the concern about preventing a catastrophe by inviting a person associated with ADT to meet with the Town Hall Restoration Committee on the 6th of July, for information and additional possibilities.
Raffle drawing date needs to be set, which will be done on Monday evening, at the July 2 meeting.
The down stairs and toilets at the Town Hall need to be marked off as being closed “out of order” during the 5th, 6th and 7th of July.
Meeting Adjourned 3:15pm
Respectfully submitted, Marjorie R. Cilley, Secretary
Select Board Minutes 06.25.12
June 26, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 25, 2012
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair called the meeting to order with Sonny Harris, Barry Wheeler, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Review and Consideration of June 18, 2012 minutes:
Harry Wright, Chair advised the word intervened he had used in the discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Keller and Mr. Martin would sound better to use the words met with.
Motion was made by Sonny Harris to approve the June 18th minutes with the edit. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
APPEARANCES
Tony Salera Re: Stop Sign:
Tony Salera came before the Selectmen regarding the stop sign that was missing at the end of West Main Street. Mr. Salera advised it has been there about fifteen years, and it is one of the most dangerous intersections in Bradford. No one respects the sign when it was up, people go through at a high rate of speed, on the wrong side of the street. It was explained that it was removed because of the concern for the bridge where trucks have to stop and start up right on the bridge. Discussion ensued.
In reply to a question from Mr. Salera, Cheryl Behr advised a traffic study had been done, maybe ten years ago, and she will find it for reference. It was stated that perhaps more police visibility would be very helpful. It was stated also that it is a thickly settled area with families and children as well as a bus stop there. Also, lines with crosswalks should be painted on the road was suggested by Bill Thompson. Tony Salera invited anyone to come onto his property and watch what happens at that intersection.
Richard Paul also spoke regarding this being a very dangerous intersection and needs to be addressed.
Motion was made by Sonny Harris to put the stop sign back, post with a load weight limit, while the study, which was done by Provan and Lorber, has been looked at, as well as white lines being drawn and Police presence requested at that intersection. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
Marlene Freyler
Marlene Freyler reported on the fire works for the July 4th Celebration being held on July 7, 2012 which will be done on the former Naughton property off East Main Street. Between Route 114 and Main Street, on Route 103 people will not be able to see them. From Brown Shattuck Field they will be visible. Signs will be put up as well as being explained on the radio for the next two Friday’s, as well as all community calendars explaining where they can be seen from.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
WMUR Interview:
Harry Wright, Chair stated that he was interviewed today with regard to the Town Hall by WMUR news which will be aired on the 6:00pm news tonight.
Highway Department Weekly Report:
Mention was made of the weekly Highway work accomplishments for the week as well as anticipation of projects for the upcoming week. (Attached at the end of the minutes)
Letter from Scholarship Recipient:
A thank you letter was read by Cheryl Behr, from Lucas Christopher Hahn, recipient of the five hundred dollars ($500.00) scholarship from the Town of Bradford. (Letter on file) The Selectmen congratulated Lucas.
Letter from Jane Johnsen:
The following letter was read into the minutes by Cheryl Behr:
22 June 2012
Board of Selectmen
Bradford, NH. 03221
Mr. Chairman:
This resolve for the road agent, in Bradford, sets a dangerous precedent for future selectmen. This vote also puts the people’s money into the pockets of our Town Fathers and is not ethical or compatible with local government.
Mr. Wheeler either must step down as selectman and take the job as an overseer with full time employment with the pay of an overseer. That pay scale would certainly be less than the road agent since it would exceed his pay scale. OR hire someone else as overseer and Mr. Wheeler keep his elected office as Selectman.
I would ask that this letter be read into the minutes in its entirety and some kind of response in writing from the Selectmen.
Sincerely
Jane Johnsen
44 Rowe Mt. Road
Bradford, NH 03221
Lois Kilnapp advised she sees many people coming into the Transfer Station who say Barry Wheeler is doing a great job and it is too bad people are picking on him. Lois also advised the town would be in a crisis right now if they did not have someone as knowledgeable as Barry, and the town is in a smooth transition thanks to Barry. On a busy day, there could be four hundred people come into the Transfer Station, and many of them are very appreciative of the great work Barry is doing.
Perry Teele advised that as far as he knows, and the Selectmen can verify it, Mr. Wheeler is not the Road Agent; he is filling in as Road Agent. We have extenuating circumstances going on right now. We do not have a Road Agent. We could hire one, then it could come crashing down with major changes. Personally, from what I’ve seen, we got a good job for the lowest possible money we could get. He’s doing a good job, it’s temporary, lets just leave it alone. (This was followed by a large round of applause)
Cemetery Trustee information re: Smith Cemetery:
Cheryl Behr read the following letter from Tom Riley, Cemetery Trustee:
“Enclosed find a copy of the deed to the town of a private burial ground.
After consultation with Terry Knowles, the Assistant Director of Charitable Trusts for the Department of Justice, she informed us that this constitutes a private burial ground and can be used only as such.
Therefore, for your information, I am hereby notifying the Board of Selectmen of the State decision that the Smith Cemetery is to be added to our list of cemeteries as a private cemetery. If we want to use it, we will have to petition the Probate Court to remove the restriction.”
This dates back to 1854. Perry Teele advised under no circumstances should the town take a deed for a private cemetery ever again. This lot will show on the tax map.
Accounts payable and payroll manifests were reviewed and signed.
Abatements were reviewed and signed.
The Building permit review was not ready.
A Timber Tax waiver request was discussed and the decision was to allow thirty more days.
Motion was made by Sonny Harris to extend the waiver for another thirty days. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
It was stated that upon receiving filters for the mower and they are installed, the highway department will commence mowing.
Intents to cut were signed for Steve and Diane Douglass Map 11, Lot 25.
Kincaid, Map 10, Lot 10, – Map 7, Lot 70, – Map 6, Lot 114 – , Map 7, Lot 72 which was received as an intent is being held until a map is received.
Lois Kilnapp, Transfer Station:
Lois Kilnapp questioned if she could dispense with the charges when receiving the following: $10.00 for refrigerators, microwave and any appliance using Freon. $3.00 charged for small propane tank, and $10.00 for large. Green Recycling picks up these items free, and she would like to pass this savings on to the tax payers. This person is properly licensed and feels this to be on-going. Consensus of the Selectmen is to approve this request. Lois will forward all the paperwork to Cheryl.
Lois Kilnapp advised she is also working on a Used Oil Grant, and is requesting seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) of the twenty five hundred dollars ($2500.00) be allotted for cleaning the furnace and used as justification for the Grant. The furnace does need to be serviced each year. Lois advised the furnace needs to be serviced and paid for, then the town would get reimbursed. The Selectmen concurred.
Lois Kilnapp also thanked the Selectmen for revising her Job Description, however, the only thing that she is not pleased with is she prefers to open her own mail, and advised all departments should open their own mail. Why is it necessary for all mail to be opened in the Selectmen’s office? Cheryl Behr questioned if all the mail coming into the office gets opened then put into respective boxes what is the problem to which Lois advised, how does one know they are getting everything that is in that sealed envelope?
Cheryl Behr advised if she can catch them when they come in, she will not open them, if they get opened, I cannot promise whoever is opening the mail that day will not open them.
Dick Keller questioned how much does it cost for the annual furnace service to which Cheryl Behr advised she will have to get that information for Lois to help with the Grant information.
Harriet Douglas questioned Barry Wheeler what is happening on Fairgrounds Road as it is very dusty. Barry advised they have put calcium chloride down, and after the rain it should help. It was suggested that in extremely bad areas, perhaps a little more would help. It was also stated that the work that has been done on the road has not slowed traffic down.
Discussion ensued regarding the Fire Alarm at the Town Hall as questioned by the Town Hall Restoration Committee. Installing wireless would be a waste of money was stated. ADT would act the same as a telephone line. The cost of two phone lines would be eleven hundred dollars ($1,100.00) annually and one telephone and one radio would cost $715 annually. A person would be willing to come and talk with the Town Hall Restoration Committee and it was suggested that Mark Goldberg be invited to sit in.
There will be an “ad” in the Bradford Bridge for a Health Officer for Bradford, and a Letter of Interest is all that would be required. Training will be available.
Motion was made to go into non-public session by Sonny Harris at 6:40pm. per RSA 91A:3IIa. Seconded by Barry Wheeler.
Harry Wright, Chair – Yes Sonny Harris- Yes Barry Wheeler – Yes.
Motion carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
For an audio file (mp3) of the recording to this meeting, please visit http://bradfordnh.org/mp3/ where they are named according to the date and the organization. Please note that, due to space issues, any recordings may be purged from the website without notice. Files can be saved to your hard drive, by right-clicking the link to the file (from the index list) and using “Save Link As” or “Save File As”.
Selectmen’s agenda June 25 2012
June 25, 2012
Agenda
Selectmen’s Meeting
June 25, 2012
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll call
Minutes for review
Appearances.
1. Tony Salera – stop sign
2. Marlene Freyler -
Regular Business:
1. Accounts payable and payroll manifest for review
2. Highway work plan
3. Thank you letter from recipient of town scholarship
4. Read to record – Cemetery deed restriction
5. Jane Johnsen with letter to be read to record
6. Building permit review and fees.
7. Abatements for signature
8. Waiver of timber tax interest.
9. Credit application signature
10. Intent to cut for Kincaid Map 10 Lot 10, Map 7 Lot 70, Map 6 Lot 114, Map 7 Lot 72 – holding for map.
11. Non Public session per RSA 91A:3IIa – bldg insp
12.
THRC Meeting Notices 06.28.12 & 07.02.12
June 25, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
TOWN HALL RESTORATION COMMITTEE
P O BOX 436
BRADFORD, N.H. 03221
MEETING NOTICES
THE TOWN HALL RESTORATION COMMITTEE WILL
BE MEETING ON THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012
AT 1:00PM AT THE TOWN HALL DURING
LUNCH BREAK FROM PREPARING FOR ART SHOW
THE TOWN HALL RESTORATION COMMITTEE WILL
BE MEETING ON MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012 AT 7:00PM
WITH RICK MONAHON, ARCHITECT
AT THE BRADFORD COMMUNITY CENTER
Planning Board Agenda 06.26.12
June 25, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
PLANNING BOARD
P O BOX 436
BRADFORD, N.H. 03221
JUNE 26, 2012
7:00PM
A G E N D A
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF MAY 22, 2012 MINUTES
AUTUMN ROSE, JOHNSON HILL ROAD – 2 LOT SUBDIVISION PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUATION – MAP 2, LOT 61
O E TRUCKING – 10 BREEZY HILL ROAD – PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUATION
BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT & SITE PLAN – MAP 3, LOTS 74a & 74b
PLANNING AND GRANT OPPORTUNITY – FOLLOW-UP
CIP PAPERWORK
ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD
ADJOURNMENT
BACC July 2012 Activities Schedule
June 22, 2012
Mon. July 2
1:00 PM – Bridge Group
5:30-7:00 PM – Selectmen’s meeting
7:00 – 9:00 PM – Town Hall Restoration Committee
Tues. July 3
1:00-3:30 PM – Watercolor Class
3:00-5:00 PM – Baton Class
Wed. July 4
Holiday
Thurs. July 5
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Burss Construction – workshop
3:00 – 6:00 PM – Farmer’s Market – call Michelle at 938-2055 or
Email at Farmer’s Market {bradfordfarmmarket@gmail.com]
For information
7:00 PM - Town Hall Restoration Committee
Mon. July 9
1:00 PM - Bridge Group
5:30-7:00 PM – Selectmen’s meeting
7:00 PM – Rural Heritage
Tues. July 10
4:30 PM - BACC -Committee Meeting
7:00-9:00 PM – Planning Board
Wed. July 11
6:00 PM - Yoga Class - call Fran at 456-3099 for information
6:15 -8:00 PM – Bible Study
Thur. July 12
3:00 – 6:00 PM – Farmer’s Market
Sat. July 14
9:00-11:00 – Writing Group
Mon. July 16
1:00 PM – Bridge Group
5:30-7:00 PM – Selectmen’s meeting
Tues. July 17
1:00-3:30 PM – Watercolor Class
Wed. July 18
6:00 PM – Yoga Class
6:15-8:00 – Bible Study
Thurs. July 19
10:30 AM – noon – Blood Pressure Clinic – Free
3:00-6:00 PM – Farmer’s Market
4:30 PM – Parks & Rec. meeting
6:30 PM – Budget Committee
Sat. July 21
10:00 AM – Bradford Improvement Association
Mon. July 23
1:00 PM – Bridge Group
5:30-7:00 PM – Selectmen’s meeting
Tues. July 24
4:30 PM - Bradford Area Community Center -Committee Meeting
7:00-9:00 PM – Planning Board
Wed. July 25
6:00-730 PM Yoga Class
6:15-8:00 PM – Bible Study
Thurs. July 26
3:00-6:00 – Farmer’s Market
Sat. July 28
9:00 AM – Writing Group
Mon. July 30
1:00 PM – Bridge Group
5:30-7:00 PM – Selectmen’s meeting
Tues. July 31
1:00-3:30 PM – Watercolor Class
For scheduling activities at the BACC, please call 938-6228 or 938-2522
Select Board Minutes 06.18.12
June 20, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 18, 2012
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair called the meeting to order with Barry Wheeler, Sonny Harris, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Review and Consideration of June 11, 2012 minutes:
Harry Wright, Chair explained that at a non-public meeting last week the Selectmen intervened between Mr. Bill Martin and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Keller and advised it was a civil matter and nothing to do with the Selectmen. Word regarding an RSA has not been forthcoming for review at this time.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to accept the minutes of June 11, 2012 as presented. Seconded by Sonny Harris. Motion carried 3-0.
APPEARANCES:
Rescue Squad:
Laurie Brown, Captain, Bradford Rescue Squad and Elliot Brown brought Lucas (an automated CPR machine) for a demonstration. Laurie also advised there will be a CPR class on Wednesday at 7:00pm. at the Fire Station and open to whomever would like to attend. It was advised that Lucas fits about 95% of people. Elliot Brown advised he has actually used this already. The battery lasts from 45 to 1:15 minutes depending upon the size of the person.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
The Selectmen signatures were required on a refund overpayment and a deposit error.
Accounts Payable and payroll manifests were reviewed and signed.
Cheryl Behr advised she had contacted the Community Action regarding Elder Care, and they would be available on June 27th. The new lease has to be signed by July 30, 2012 for the beginning of August 1, 2012. Consensus was to set this as a preliminary meeting.
Dave Pickman needs to agree upon a location to place the Police Department generator, then it can be transferred from the Town Hall to where the Police Department is now located on Route 114, and will be done by the Highway Department.
Cheryl Behr advised two people have shown interest in the Health Officer position, and the decision is to put an “Ad” in the Bradford Bridge.
Cheryl Behr advised Pike will begin grinding Fairgrounds Road on Wednesday June 13, 2012.
Cheryl also stated that she had contacted the Insurance Company, and there is no problem with liability with the Town Hall Fire Alarm not being connected to dispatch.
Mention was made that Lois Kilnapp reported to the Selectmen’s Office that she received a compliment from Fred Hubley regarding the road repairs done by Barry Wheeler and the road crew, and especially those that were done in the parking lot of the Church.
At this time, Jane Johnsen requested to look at the payables from Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer.
Discussion ensued regarding the Building Permits that are on the Web Site and suggestion was to make it more concise and have one page with the plans required. Cheryl Behr will work with the Building Inspector, Palmer Porter on this.
Barry Wheeler provided a sheet (see end of minutes) with the Highway Department accomplishments this week as well as anticipated work for next week, which includes work on Fairgrounds Road in preparation of grinding to start on Wednesday.
Cheryl Behr advised she and Harry Wright, Chair met with Jon Marden on Friday morning regarding some issues with FEMA. Cheryl advised she has contacted the person who actually does the FEMA reporting, and he will forward complete copies of application and he does want to look over the payroll fringe benefit calculations.
Jon Marden questioned Cheryl Behr as to when the complete application may be coming in and it was stated July 7th or after, and when received, they will be forwarded to Jon.
The Selectmen signed a Warrant for Unlicensed dogs, which is an annual event.
Cheryl Behr advised she had communication from William Rose, DOT Transportation Highway Grant and the plans are expected to be available around the 26th of June. Advertising will then go out with the review of the bids due back in two or three weeks, the usual time contractors take to respond. Estimation of the project is fourteen weeks with the start date the second week of August, and finishing the end of October.
Sonny Harris will work with Cheryl Behr on the correction of roads on the DOT Block Grant list that were listed incorrectly on a State Report. Sonny Harris gave one example as Solitude Ridge being a Class V town road and they are not, but are private roads.
A young lady who advised she lives right in the middle of Cochran Hill and Fairgrounds Road and the traffic is traveling too fast and is requesting the speed limit be set at 25 miles per hour. It is now listed at 35 and no one is doing that. It was suggested that the Police Department would look into this. Perhaps if the Police could be more visible during the daytime hours would help some.
Harriet Douglass asked Barry Wheeler where they were going to start grinding on Fairgrounds Road, and Barry stated by Harriet’s old house. It was also stated that they will only be grinding one side at a time, so the road will always be open to traffic.
Jane Johnsen advised she has some concerns regarding the Road Agent ever since Town Meeting. At this time Jane handed out copies of Chapter 12 “Public Official Ethics and Conflicts of Interest” to the Selectmen for their following along with her reading portions of it. (This was taken from Knowing the Territory – A Survey of Municipal Law for N.H. Local Officials (Spring 2002 Edition) NHMA).
Jane advised she has written down some things the Town should know and doesn’t know.
Jane read a portion of number 1. What is Full-time? RSA 669-7 It is recommended that anyone whose decisions on budgets might be influenced by his/her personal pecuniary interest should not serve in these positions.
And, on Page two: B. Common Law Incompatibility. Two positions might be incompatible even though they are not listed in RSA 669:7 or any other statute. Whenever two positions bear a special relationship to each other, one being subordinate to and interfering with the other, with inconsistent “loyalties” or responsibilities, then one person cannot legally hold both positions. An example was one school committee member could not sit on a judgment. Back on Page One, Jane read under RSA 669:7 Incompatibility of Offices. No person shall at the same time hold any 2 of the following offices, then goes on to list, Selectmen, then it goes on to list highway agent. Jane allowed her problem is that Barry, Mr. Wheeler has taken over that job and I would like to ask a couple of questions and get some answers, and I’d also like this to be in the minutes in its entirety.
1. Mr. Wheeler, are you on the payroll? Reply Yes
2. Do you fill out or punch a time card? Reply Yes
3. Do you qualify for any benefits? Reply No
How about insurance for a part time employee:? Reply No
4. How long do you feel you will remain as a paid stand-in Road Agent Reply As long as what is going, goes on. Barry advised he is not the Road Agent, is just helping out.
Jane Johnsen stated you are the Road Agent, and Barry Wheeler replied I am not. Jane stated, yes you are. Jane questioned why was the Road Agent put on Administrative Leave? Harry Wright, Chair advised this is a personnel issue that cannot be discussed to which Jane Johnsen stated I think it can be and the town should know. If he did something really wrong, the town should know. So, you are not going to tell us why he was put on Administrative Leave. Harry Wright, Chair advised there is a time for every purpose under heaven. Jane stated I think you are being evasive. Harry Wright, Chair stated he is not being snotty; it is something that cannot be discussed. Sonny Harris stated Jane, no, he is not, we have been directed by the County Sherriff’s Office not to discuss this. Jane interjected then why is he being paid if he did something wrong, then he should have been relieved, and not paid. The answer is, if you have any questions about that, you are directed to call them and they will discuss it with you per Sonny Harris. Jane replied, oh no, I expected to get an answer. 5. Jane questioned why the Board did not get someone else for the job if the Board thought the Agent wasn’t doing his job properly? What made you feel you had more qualifications Mr. Wheeler than the Road Agent? Reply – I don’t feel necessarily that I do, I’m just helping out.
Jane Johnsen stated: But you took over the job. Reply: Someone had to do something, he’s gone.
Jane added: But that’s what I said, why didn’t you find someone else for the job? Why did you feel that it was your responsibility to take over? Reply: I can do it, so am helping out.
Jane questioned: What makes you think you are doing a better job than he did? Reply: I don’t know that I’m doing a better job, but I am doing a pretty good job, doing a lot of thing.
So you feel you are qualified. Now, Mr. Wheeler, you’re getting paid twice by the Town, do you feel that is ethically ok? Reply: It is not illegal, we checked with our..
Is it ethically ok? That’s the thing this whole RSA is about. It is incompatible and it’s unethical.
What are you doing that the absent Road Agent was not doing? I’m not taking up with the Road Agent advised Jane Johnsen, these questions bother me. Reply: I am cleaning ditches that have not been done in about 4 years. I am doing a lot of things on the list.
(List attached to minutes)
Do you make more decisions than he did? Reply: I have no idea what…
But you were a Selectmen, so you would know. Reply: He was pretty much running his own show over there.
But he had to answer to the Selectmen. Reply: I don’t know that he answered that much to us. If something big came up he’d come to talk to us.
Do you think you are doing a better job than he did? Reply: I am doing the best of my ability.
But that’s not my question Reply: I am not going to answer that question that way.
To whom do you report to and get permission for work to be done? As he would have to had to do. Reply: The other two guys.
The other two guys, then that makes you your own boss. Reply: And so was he.
And you don’t own the company. We own the company. So you really don’t have to report to anyone. You know, as a tax payer, I do not understand how you feel you can get $40.00 an hour at this time and the Road Agent got $25.90 an hour, and he’s still being paid. Reply: $46.10 an hour if you figure in benefits
As far as I’m concerned, his pay was $25.90. and we’re putting out more money for Road Agents than anybody else in town. I just don’t like the conflict of interest. I think if you are going to have a Road Agent, he should not be a Selectman. You are being paid twice, it is double dipping. I’m not saying you get a lot of money being a Selectman, but you wanted to be a Selectman you ran for Selectman, you didn’t run for the Road Agents job. I know you are probably doing a good job but I don’t like the incompatibility and ethics of all of it. I don’t know what you plan to do about it, but I want people to know that Barry’s doing this and he’s getting paid for this a great deal of money. That’s not ethical.
Harry Wright, Chair gave a chronology of events being: A few weeks ago it was clear that they were short staffed at the highway with no Road Agent sitting there. The Selectmen encouraged Barry with his experience in the business and suggested he take a look at things and see if we could expend initially volunteer time to dispatch the crew. It came evident early on that to show up in the morning and say do this today was not being done and more active supervision was required. It was agreed upon to put Barry on, not as Highway Agent, because of RSA Legal implications, but as supervisor effectively for what we intend to be a very short term transigent period.
Jane Johnsen reiterated the #1 under Incompatibility of Offices: “No person shall at the same time hold any 2 of the following offices, Selectmen and Highway Agent. Jane allowed you can call it anything you want to, but it is called a Highway Agent. If he’s working as a Highway Agent and he’s getting paid as a Highway Agent, and he’s getting money rather than insurance, he’s almost doubled his salary, he doesn’t answer to any one except you two. You can’t do that, and you can’t be your own boss unless you own the company. And, he’s his own boss. He calls the shots, and you ok it. That’s all I have to say. My name is Jane Johnsen.
Harriet Douglass questioned if she understood that they had checked this out with the Town Attorney and it is legal? Barry Wheeler questioned and you have, right to Cheryl Behr, Administrator. Harry Wright, Chair stated, I don’t know that we have talked with the Town Attorney, but it is a part time job. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the Town Attorney advised this is a part time job, and he can be a Selectman and a part time worker.
Barry Wheeler advised people in other towns are doing this as well. A couple of policemen do it; someone works at a dump and is Selectman in Loudon. Jane Johnsen advised she had thought about this long and hard since March, when people got up and insulted the Road Agent. I do not know him, he does not come to my house for tea, but I thought it was terrible that they insulted him, and there was no reason to insult him. If you do not like what he is doing, just fire him. We are a democracy.
Harry Wright, Chair advised that the they that insulted him at Town Meeting were not Selectmen. Jane Johnsen stated she wanted the Selectmen to do something to make it right. Harry Wright, Chair advised they are working very hard to do what’s right in the best interest of the town. Jane stated that as tax payers, they all deserve it.
Marlene Freyler stated that the problem is like it started out at $25.00 an hour two weeks ago or whatever, when I was checking everybody and now it’s up to $40, how did it escalate that much in two weeks time? And it’s part time. Boy, I’d like a part time job paying $40.00 an hour. If this is part time work, that is a lot of money for the town to pay. Jane Johnsen stated she is surprised the Budget Committee hasn’t said something as they want to cut back on as many things as they can. I have a hard time believing the Committee says go ahead and pay Mr. Wheeler $40.00 an hour.
Jon Mardin advised once the town has voted on the money, the Budget Committee has no say in it. In reply to a question by Jane Johnsen if the Budget Committee is aware of this, Jon Marden stated no, the Budget Committee will not be meeting until next month.
Chris Frey stated he would like to defend the actions of the Board of Selectmen, that this has been going on for the past month, and to have someone supervise the highway crew you need two things, someone who knows the town and the conditions of the roads in town, the history of the roads, the equipment, what we have for equipment, and the capabilities of said equipment. There are people in town who could have assumed this position, but it is very hard to interview somebody for a job with that capacity when you don’t know what it’s going to take or how long it’s going to be there for and it is going to end at some point, and the Selectmen have no control when it is going to end as it will probably be in the hands of the Sherriff’s office. In all due respect, the Selectmen made the best decision they possibly could given the totality of the circumstances there. Barry is just part time doing supervisory work and helping as can be, and if we can get past the concept of him being Highway Agent everything falls into place. Jane Johnsen advised she disagreed with Chris that someone could be hired that could learn about the roads and learn about the equipment, and the man that was hired doesn’t know anything, then you’ve done a bad hiring job. You hire somebody because you know they can do the job. Jane Johnsen went on to say that no one went out and looked for someone to take that job.
Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer asked since there are only three Selectmen, what if there is a problem that comes up in the highway department, of course Barry would not be able to vote yes or no because he’s got to stand off. What happens between Harry and Sonny, if Sonny says yes and Harry says no, how would the problem be solved? Marilyn also advised she was under the impression that Barry was only supervising only a couple of hours a day and it’s turning almost into a full time position. If they need so much supervision then I would suggest get rid of those guys and get some guys that can really do the work.
Harry Wright, Chair advised that with the reporting being done on a weekly basis, we are closer to the action now then we were in the past.
Bob Lincoln advised that as far as a Road Agent is concerned, we are getting more work done now with two people then when there were four people working. There has been more done within the last month then in the last year.
Jon Marden clarified that the town has a position for one Road Agent and that Road Agent is currently employed whether he shows up for work or not to which Harry Wright, Chair concurred. We cannot hire another Road Agent, as then there would be two and there’s only one such position.
Barry Wheeler stated they are getting a lot of work done. Jane Johnsen questioned if more then before to which Barry replied, I have to say we are.
Harry Wright, Chair reiterated what he has stated previously, that they are trying to do their best for the town. Jane Johnsen requested what action is being taken against Jeff to which Harry Wright, Chair advised they are not at liberty to discuss that at this time. Harry did ask everyone to be patient.
Meeting adjourned,
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
For an audio file (mp3) of the recording to this meeting, please visit http://bradfordnh.org/mp3/ where they are named according to the date and the organization. Please note that, due to space issues, any recordings may be purged from the website without notice. Files can be saved to your hard drive, by right-clicking the link to the file (from the index list) and using “Save Link As” or “Save File As”.
Conservation Commission Minutes 05.15.12
June 20, 2012
Bradford Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
May 15, 2012 @ 7:00p.m @ Brown Memorial Library
Present: George Beaton, Seth Benowitz, J. Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Brooks McCandlish. Andy and Sam Rushia also present.
Secretary’s Report: minutes from 4/17/12 meeting accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Land protection CD was closed with the donation to the Battles’ easement. Report accepted.
Invasive Species Workshop: Will take place in the fall with Ausbon Sargent. Seth will inform us on the exact date.
Ausbon Sargent ‘celebrate volunteers’ event: 5/22/12 , 4:30-6:30p.m. Seth and George plan on attending.
DES letter re: Sonny Harris wetlands permit: Permit filed last year. DES is requesting information. Permit has not been accepted.
Warner Trust: looking for volunteers to study trout in the Warner River.
Forest Steward Training: attended by Seth at the NH Forest Society. Appalachian Trail Fieldbook is available to loan from Seth.
Planning Board: Update on Chivers application for variance on proposed Breezy Hill Rd auto recycling business. State law requires 660 ft setback from Rte 103. Bradford attorney stated own ZBA does not have jurisdiction to override State requirement
ZBA: Communication Tower (behind Valley Fire Equipment). The ZBA has not received application for the necessary variance as yet.
Bog Tower: Sam Rushia is present and states the Bog platform is complete. Compass points for orientation have been routered on deck. Suggested allowing platform to settle over winter before making any necessary adjustments using the leftover timbers. Ann acknowledged completion of the project for Sam. An article has been drafted for the Bridge. The horizon profile railing sign will be a Conservation Commission project for a later date. Ann suggested donating the graffiti-carved former railings to the Historical Society. Sam will affix a plaque on the tower that will identify it as his Eagle Scout project. Ann suggested notation on the bog information board recognizing Sam and his accomplishment.
Liberty Elm Tree Dedication: 6/10/12 at 3:00 p.m. Article to be submitted to the Bridge. The Historical Society to decide on placement of the recognition plaque.
Beth McGuinn/Ausbon Sargent: will present their conservation priorities plan draft at the next meeting.
Scion Property Estate: wants to donate cabin + 1.1 acres below Battles to a non-profit. Assessed value $60,500 (land $42,600 bldg $17,900) Taxes? George thinks area not needed for parking area for trailhead. Discussion on donating to town; Ann to ask NHACC if town can accept. Other possibilities would be donate to Ausbon Sargent, apply an easement, and transfer to someone with easement in place. Donate to the abutter Asthalter is another option. However, the building does need to be taken down and removed.
Bobcat Lecture: Ann contacted NH Fish & Game previously; Friday evenings are available. Possibly August 24th? Need to determine where event would be held.
Trail Map: Updates made by Bill. All agreed to remove cemetery locations and add easement descriptions.
Battles Farm Easement Trail Hike: Thursday, August 2nd, 4:00-6:00p.m. The trail has been sited, but need to include Ed and Andy Deegan on the actual trail layout. Will meet with them next week, then can begin construction.
NRI: Forest Resources chapter reviewed and accepted. Brooks will give recommendations for forest soils and resources. List of agriculture operations reviewed and accepted. Will save reviewing wording on maps for future meeting. Andrea will give recommendations on Shoreland Protection Act.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness
PD News: Summer Begins
June 20, 2012
As we roll into summer we are beginning to see a steady increase in Off Highway Recreational Vehicle (O.H.R.V.) and All Terrain Vehicle (A.T.V.) use. There are some things to consider before hitting the trails.
Fish and Game strongly recommends that all operators complete a Safety Education Class. The class is a requirement for operators 12 years or older that do not hold a valid motor vehicle license. For more information about attending a class contact Fish and Game 603-271-3129 or go to www.ride.nh.gov for class schedules. Remember, all riders under the age of 18 MUST wear helmets at all times.
Every year hundreds of people are injured in OHRV or snowmobile crashes. Approximately 35% had some level of alcohol in their blood. Excessive speed was a contributing factor in 55% of the fatal crashes. Accidents can be avoided by practicing safe and responsible operation. Accidents must be reported if someone is injured or killed, or property damage is over $500.00. If an accident occurs that requires someone to report it they must, stop and give name, address and registration number to the others involved. Report the accident to the nearest Police Station, and File a report to Fish and Game within 5 days.
You can ride on trails that are designated for the type of vehicle you are operating or where you have received written permission from the landowner. Landowners are NOT required to post their land against OHRV use. The absence of signs prohibiting use does not mean O.H.R.V use is welcome or allowed. Landowners are not responsible to keep their land safe for use by O.H.R.V. operators. Unless you are on an approved trail system or have landowner permission you are in violation of the law. Remember, all land public or private, requires landowner permission. It is Illegal to operate an O.H.R.V. upon a public way in this State unless posted for use by the Town for O.H.R.V. use.
It is illegal to operate an O.H.R.V. while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration of greater than 0.08% or 0.02% if under 21 years of age. Penalties for O.H.R.V. DWI correspond with the Motor Vehicle DWI laws. O.H.R.V. operators must submit to a test or tests to determine blood alcohol concentration. Failure to consent to a test results in the loss of a driver’s license.
O.H.R.V’s that are driven off the owner’s property must be registered and registration stickers must be properly placed on the vehicles. O.H.R.V.’s can be registered at the Town Clerks Office during regular business hours.
Speed shall be reasonable and prudent for the existing conditions.
10 MPH upon public ways open to OHRV use
35 MPH on all trail connectors
45 MPH on all trails where no speed limit is posted.
Finally, It is unlawful to have or carry a loaded gun, etc., in or on a vehicle, pursuant to RSA 207:7.
If you would like more information concerning OHRV use and operation requirements please contact us at 938-2522 or New Hampshire Fish and Game 271-4300 or visit their website.
The staff at the Bradford Police Department hopes everybody has a safe and fun summer!
Selectmen’s Agenda June 18, 2012
June 18, 2012
Agenda
Selectmen’s Meeting
June 18, 2012
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll call
Minutes for review
Appearances.
1. Rescue Squad
2.
Regular Business:
1. Accounts payable and payroll manifest for review
2. Renegotiation of CAP lease June 27th
3. Highway work plan
4. Lois Kilnapp reported to the Selectmen’s office that she has received compliments from Fred Hubley on the road repairs done by Barry Wheeler and the Highway workers – especially those done at the church parking lot.
5. Building permit review and fees.
6.
