Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
May 22, 2017
Pledge of Allegiance
Meeting called to order at 5:30pm
Roll Call- John Pfeifle, Chairman; Sonny Harris, Selectman; Jim Bibbo, Selectman; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator was in attendance
Absent: Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer
Appearances:
- July 4th Celebration – Claire James discussed the plans for the Independence Day celebration. The Board is committed to raising an additional $5000 for the expanded Fireworks show in honor of Staff Sergeant David Whitcher. There was a question as to whether or not extra launching space would be needed. Claire will set up a meeting.
- Michele Halsted-RHC: On behalf of the Rail Trail project, Michele asked the Selectmen if the boulders from the Town Hall could be used for parts of the Rail Trail to stabilize banks etc. The Selectmen agreed in principle, however noted that some of the boulders will likely be reused in the Town Hall project. The Rail Trail will happily use whatever is left over. It was mentioned that the Sunapee Snowmobile Club could use some as well. In a second issue, Michele requested clarification regarding the property located at Map 4 Lot 28. The Selectmen assured her that once the title to the property is resolved and the Halsteds are able to move forward with the purchase, the property would be returned to current use status and additional taxes, penalties and interest that had been incurred while it was not in current use would be abated. Karen explained that once abated, there would be no way to reapply the taxes, interest and penalties should the court not rule in the Halsted’s favor.
- Town Hall: The Select Board expressed frustration that the Town Hall project is not moving along more quickly. It is unclear to them why pouring the rest of the foundation is contingent upon having the sprinkler specs done. They suggested that a dry wall of concrete blocks could be laid instead of a pouring a foundation. The Board also expressed concern at tying up Rick Geddes’ equipment for an extended amount of time and wondered if that would incur unanticipated expense. Karen will email Brackett Scheffy and Harry Wright regarding these two issues.
Regular Business:
- Loader: The Dept of Revenue has disallowed the amendment to Warrant Article 12 made at Town Meeting. They will allow us to proceed with the warrant article as it was originally written. We need to explore options on how best to go forward.
- Junk Yard: The Board discussed a property on Massasecum Avenue that has been brought to their attention as having too many unregistered vehicles in the yard. Karen will check with the Town Clerk to see how many cars are registered to that address and draft a strong letter if necessary.
- Accept Donation for Independence Day: The Select Board accepted two donations for the Independence Day Trust Fund.
Other Business:
- Karen mentioned that she’d received word that the Kearsarge Area Preschool will not be continuing to operate after June 30th. She also noted that Tax Bills had been sent out and that the Evidentiary Hearing for the Autocraft case was scheduled for Friday 5/26.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest reviewed and signed.
Minutes of May 25, 2017 meeting were reviewed and accepted with no change.
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 at the Bradford Community Center.
Meeting adjourned at 6:26 pm
Minutes submitted by Karen Hambleton