Library Trustee Minutes 09.01.10
September 4, 2010
Draft Minutes from September 1, 2010
Board Meeting for the Trustees of Brown Memorial Library
Attendance: Joan Perry, Bea Howe, Rod Jones, Patty Furness, Lorraine MacLeod & Meg Fearnley
1. The minutes from the last meeting were read and accepted.
2. A motion was made to accept gifts and donations made to Brown Memorial Library in August in the amount of $1233.75. This amount includes $502 raised at the fundraising dinner last Saturday night (net amount after deducting the cost of the food), two donations from grateful summer residents and from FVB for donated yard work. The treasurer’s report was accepted.
3. The librarian presented her report. We surpassed the 1000 mark in adult books circulated. More people are asking about e-books and downloadable audio books. The library was a mad house today, with a large number of children at story time and many patrons.
4. Our next book sale is this Saturday – shifts are covered. We have received many, many, many book donations and the volunteers have been hard at work organizing the sale.
5. The fundraising dinner was discussed. Most of the comments received re: the dinner were positive ones. Our thanks to the Masons for letting us use their hall, to Andy Anderson and the Sandy Gove for the great local vegetables (sold to us at a very low cost), to Oona Tropeano for all her help, and to the trustees who donated some of the food and worked so hard.
6. The 2011 budget was discussed. The treasurer will be presenting the finalized budget at the next meeting. Her recommendation is to keep the budget the same as last year’s, reflecting the current economic times. She pointed out that the staff at the library is traditionally frugal, as illustrated by a story she told about Elsa shopping for trash bags at the Dollar Store and searching through the bin for the ones that had 3 extra bags/box. This is typical of the mentality at the library.
7. The rugs need to be cleaned and it was agreed that Bruce Edwards will be contacted.
8. The state held a Safety Inspection at the library. It resulted in our having to contact the electrician to replace all the safety lights, plus two chairs that only have four casters. While Mike was here, he replaced a ballast on a light fixture.
The next meeting will be October 6, 2010 at 6 pm.
Meeting was adjourned at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rod Jones, acting secretary
Selectmen’s Agenda Sept 7, 2010
September 3, 2010
This meeting will be held at the Community Center
Due to interior painting at the Town HallSeptember 7, 2010
Selectmen’s Meeting
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Appearances:
1. Jeff Remillard
Regular Business
1. Accounts payable and payroll manifests for review
2. Letter to CAP for lease renewal
3. Information from CDFA regarding space at the community center
4. Report on the Brownfields meeting - public input important to direct future work
5. Painting at the town hall -
6. Status of the Town Hall Restoration Committee
Budget Committee Meeting 09.07.10
September 3, 2010
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE
P O BOX 436
BRADFORD, N.H. 03221
THERE WILL BE A BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
ON
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
AT
6:30 PM
AT
THE COMMUNITY CENTER
Select Board Minutes 08.31.10
September 2, 2010
TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
AUGUST 31, 2010
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Peter Fenton, Chair opened the meeting at 5:30pm with Jack Meaney, Harry Wright, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Peter Fenton, Chair advised a letter has been received from the Town of Washington thanking Officer Ed Shaughnessy in helping with their school evacuation drill. He worked very well with the children, and they greatly appreciated it.
Appearances:
Robert Manchester
Robert Manchester came before the Selectmen regarding the Community Center and advised he has talked with the Budget Committee. Originally, the Community Center was to cost the town nothing, however, it is now costing $65,000. A number of issues need to be considered, one of them being CAP which we pay $9,000 a year for managerial fees, and get back from them in rent, approximately $6,500. This money received includes the office work, the Sr. Center Director, usage of the large room upstairs. Meals on wheels are run out of the Community Center kitchen, and the clients from Bradford seem to be the least clients. The longest run is 30 miles away. We do not get any compensation from any of the other towns that are serviced by this program. The relationship with CAP needs to be looked into.
If the Police Station could be moved to the building, it would probably take up all but two offices in that building. The bonding issue has been looked into. The Friends of the BACC is an advisory group as opposed to a supervisory group, and this topic would be discussed with them.
Another issue connected with this proposal is the pre-school.
Robert Manchester’s request is for the Selectmen to appoint a committee to look into this whole issue. There could be a substantial savings to the town.
Chief Valiquet advised this is a surprise to him as he has not seen any information on it, and his comment would be that as the community ages, perhaps more room for senior events and programs will be needed, and it would be unfortunate in ten years to have to say we wish the Community Center was back. Also, having the Police Dept. underneath a Day Care would be a big concern for liability as well as the safety of the children.
Peter Fenton, Chair questioned Mr. Manchester if the idea is to put the Police Department in the basement and leave the upstairs operating as the Community Center to which he answered yes.
Peter Fenton, Chair asked Mr. Manchester if he would serve on a committee regarding the moving of the Police Station to the Community Center and he agreed to.
Jon Marden asked if the money in the Reserve Fund for the Police Building would be available to retrofit the Community Center for the Police Dept. It was thought this could be available.
Robert Manchester stated that what the Community Center was intended for and what it is actually used for are two different things, it is very lightly used now. There was no summer camp this year and the Farmer’s Market has only four vendors, with no other program. Bradford is servicing other towns and not being compensated for it. Bradford’s tax rate and cost needs to be looked at. The thought is to proceed and not wait for Grant information.
The decision was made that a committee of five should be set up to check further into the Community Center with a plan to represent the community, with Robert Manchester as head of the committee. The Selectmen will get a committee together, and advised if anyone is interested to contact Cheryl Behr, Administrator.
It was stated that the requirement of the Grant that there be a list of what and when different programs are being scheduled and used at the Community Center, and at this time, there appears to be none. Cheryl Behr, Administrator will contact Kate Dobrowski, Director to request this information.
Denise Renk:
Denise Renk approached the Selectmen to see if they could use the upstairs of the town hall to hold Zumba classes for an hour on Thursday evenings. Gina Gluvna, who is the instructor is certified and does carry insurance. The Selectmen suggested a fee of $25.00 per evening, and if there is a problem they can be contacted. A question was asked if handicapped access was a problem, and it was stated that if they were capable of doing the classes, they could get up stairs as it is fairly strenuous. It was decided that they should give Cheryl Behr, Administrator a start date as well as the time.
Ken Anderson:
Ken Anderson came before the Selectmen regarding repaving the approach to the dump from Route 114 to the top of the hill. The estimate for this is $6,500 which would be the 3″ asphalt cost, (100 ton) and the highway crew would do the work. There is a large rock in the road that will be removed. Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised he has broken down the job into three sections. There is a $7,000 Line Item in the Land Fill Budget listed under repairs and maintenance of building, which could be used for this purpose per Cheryl Behr, Administrator. Peter Fenton, Chair advised the Selectmen would check into the repaving, and would get back to him in a couple of weeks.
Conversations ensued regarding town equipment versus rental equipment used by the highway department. Peter Fenton, Chair addressed the situation by advising the town put out advertising for anyone in town who has any equipment for rent that the highway department might need, and there was no response.
Dick Keller questioned if the road to the dump is a town road? If it is a public road, then it should not be closed, and the money could not be taken out of the Transfer Station Budget.
Peter Fenton, Chair advised it has been a number of years since there has been an actual road crew in this town. This crew is a very organized crew, and they do a good job. They have carried it a step beyond what previous crews have done and are doing jobs that previous crews did not.
Mike Kearns advised Massasecum Ave. is not good right now as sand has washed down the hill. Peter Fenton, Chair advised if the road needs attention they should call the Road Crew or the Selectmen and bring it to their attention. Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised Massasecum Avenue has been graded at least twice this summer. Jeff Remillard, Road Agent will check out Massasecum Avenue tomorrow. Jeff also advised a lot of culverts are being replaced in town.
Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised East Main Street has been completed today.
Chris Dunkley:
Chris Dunkley is representing Naomi Payne, and what she would like to do is get a permanent driveway permit on Craig Road. Mr. Dunkley stated that he had met with Jeff Remillard, Road Agent to see what it would need, and he is here tonight to see what they should do. Jack Meaney explained that it was to be a temporary driveway for six months, and it has been well over that. It was also explained that someday that road will revert back to a Class VI road. There also may be issues with DES. It was determined it would be more then a mile long. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised that the road would need to be accessible for fire apparatus. It was determined they need to set up an appointment with the Planning Board. A 120 day temporary use of the road commenced last week.
Dan Kraft questioned the backhoe, and it was stated that it could be brought up again at the next town meeting. There is no plan at present to repair the one that the highway department has, and it has extensive problems with it. It was stated that the cost to repair the backhoe was estimated at $18,000 and then if it were traded in, would only be worth $15,000.
Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised the only thing he can foresee doing on 63 Water Street is to take the banking back on the curve and flatten it out by the road to give better visibility.
Tom Greenley, NFI questioned the Selectmen if their proposal for payment in lieu of taxes was approved to which the Selectmen advised there is a letter going out to them stating the request has been denied.
Regular Business:
Accounts payable and payroll manifests were reviewed and signed.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator reported on messages from Lance Harbour, Hazard Mitigation, regarding Lake Massasecum water shed and Bridge issue. In attendance were: Grace Levergood, NHDES, Michael Croteau and John Blackburn, SEA, Mark Mitch, New England College, who has done a lot of survey work. It was determined that it wasn’t just the bridges, but the water shed is involved. It was stated that the 103 bridge will be addressed first. Lance Harbour, HSEM was also present, and advised there is a workshop on September 3, 2010 to show how to use the E-Grants program, and Cheryl Behr, Administrator will be attending.
Energy Audits were discussed, and Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised if you want to apply for certain grants you need certain information. Michael Bruss gave a price for an Energy Audit and Cheryl had checked around and found his estimate to be average. Peter Fenton, Chair questioned if the money is there and Cheryl responded that at this time of year, $150,000-$200,000 can be identified in surplus. Harry Wright suggested all the figures and background work that is gathered now will assist towards Grant applications, and the price seems reasonable, so the town should find a way to do the audit. The Energy Audit will also evaluate the use of fuel for each of the highway trucks as well as the other highway equipment and there is grant money available to retrofit or replace equipment.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton to proceed with the Energy Audit with Bruss Construction. Harry Wright seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator reported on the Town Hall Renovation Committee meeting held on August 26, 2010, with Michael Bruss, and advised they will meet tomorrow night. He will look at the plans that were done by Wendall Phillips under a Moose Plate Grant to recommend to us how we can divide the plan up into smaller parcels, enabling us to do a small part at a time, without duplicating any of the work.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the tax maps have been updated by Cartographics.
Andrew Pinard advised he can put the PDF files from Cartographics on the Website at no cost. This will allow the public to at least see the shape of their property. It would cost $1300 as a set up fee with an annual charge of $1800. to do the tax cards which is not in the budget this year. Peter Fenton, Chair advised we need to make a decision on the Web Site before putting the tax maps on.
Discussion ensued regarding the joint Selectmen’s meeting, no definite decision made at this time.
The Boston Cane has been found, and the next person to receive it should be Edythe Craig. There are replacement canes available for around $50.00 and Cheryl will purchase a new one.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton to adjourn to a Non-Public meeting under RSA 91A:3 II personnel matters.
Decision was that Jeff Remillard, Road Agent has successfully completed his six month probationary period.
Some letters were signed.
Out of Non Public meeting at 8:30pm
Meeting adjourned 8:30pm
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Library Activities 09.10
August 30, 2010
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1
Library Trustees, 6pm
Friday, September 3
Book-to-Movie Discussion
Julie & Julia by Julie Powell, 7pm
Saturday, September 4
Book Sale, 9am-2pm
Monday, September 6
Library closed
Wednesday, September 15
Library Book Group, The Glass Room by Simon Mawer, 7pm
Friday, September 17
International Movie Afghan Star, 7pm
Select Board Agenda 08.31.10
August 27, 2010
AGENDA
August 31, 2010
Selectmen’s Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Appearances:
1. Denise Renk - Using the second floor of the Town Hall for Zumba classes
2. Ken Anderson regarding transfer station road
3. Chris Dunkly for Naomi Payne regarding driveway on Craig Road
4. Jeff Remillard
Regular Business:
1. Accounts payable and payroll manifest for review and signature
2. Report on meeting on August 26 regarding town hall renovations
3. Report on messages from Lance Harbour, Hazard Mitigation, regarding Lake Massasecum water shed and Bridge issue
4. Web site and pdf maps?
Conservation Commission Minutes 08.17.10
August 25, 2010
Draft Conservation Commission Meeting Notes
Date: August 17, 2010
Time: 7pm
Location: Brown Memorial Library
Present: Meg Fearnley, Brooks McCandlish, J.A. Eldridge, Nathanial Bruss, Carol Meise, members. Laura Ryder and Ed MacLeod present.
Secretary’s minutes from July 20 meeting read and accepted.
Treasurer’s report: Interest earned. Meg inquired at town offices as to Current Use Change Penalty for 2009 received. A sum of $6500 was reported earned according to the town report. A letter will be sent requesting information.
Correspondence: Merrimack County Conservation District annual meeting attended by Nathanial Bruss – conversation with Stacy Luke to be followed up.
Liberty Elm Tree: Steve Hanson was told about the possibility of this donation of a 10-14 foot tree. Could be placed near the Bradford Historical Society blacksmith shop. The DAR of Warner would like to take part in a ceremony in conjunction with their 100th anniversary in 2012. Decision to hold tree planting until that date. Application to be mailed.
Planning Board Comments: Reviewed gravel pit application, former Pfieffle lot. Applicant seeks waivers. Copy of full application and Earth Removal Regs. given to BCC by Marcia. Nathanial and Brooks authorized to review and comment.
CIP: Was delivered to Planning Board subcommittee.
Bradford Area Community Center: request for assistance in leading hikes in Bradford. Voted to collaborate. Kate D. to be informed.
Public Presentation: Chris Martin (NH Audubon biologist) to be contacted about possibility of presenting on eagles in NH. Location to be determined. End of Sept?
Natural Resource Inventory:Â Bradford Fish and Game Club meets on the first Monday of every month. They would like to hear about the ongoing inventory and would have some input. Next meeting possibly is September 6, unless moved due to Labor Day holiday. Letter to be sent to Lake Massasecum Improvement Association and snowmobile club for input.
LCHIP: Grant for easement on Battle’s Farm delivered on this day. Silent fundraising far exceeded goals. Will be notified in November of results. Other grants also being sought.
Bradford Bog: Repairs needed to observation platform and boardwalk, as usual. Usually 20 boards are replaced each year. This year we will try to replace 40 and repair platform. End of September suggested. Nathanial to inquire about lumber. Ann to contact NGI and others.
Meeting adjourned 8:30pm  JA Eldridge
Select Board Minutes 08.17.10
August 19, 2010
TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
AUGUST 17, 2010
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Peter Fenton, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30pm with Jack Meaney, Harry Wright, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Peter Fenton, Chair congratulated Laura Hallahan upon being Realtor of the Year.
Happy Birthday was said to Trudy Willett.
Lawrence White re: Noise Ordinance:
Mr. White came before the Selectmen regarding a town noise ordinance. There has been several loud parties at a neighbor’s residence which turned out to include underage drinking. Mr. White commended the Bradford Police Department when called regarding these parties. Chief Valiquet advised there is a State Ordinance regarding a noise pollution, which does apply to Bradford. Chief Valiquet advised 20 people were arrested that night including minors and possession of alcohol. The rule of thumb is, you cannot generate noise at a private place that can be heard at a public place or another private place between eleven pm and seven am. Chief Valiquet advised that once they go to a place and say they are generating too much noise, and if they continue then it is considered a misdemeanor from a violation. There does have to be complaint to the Police Department for them to act. The neighbor stated that he could do exactly what he wanted. Mr. White dropped his request for a town noise pollution ordinance.
Katherine DeLaurier re: Howlett Road:
Katherine DeLaurier came before the Selectmen to request Howlett Road please be plowed, sanded and what ever needs doing by 6:00am in the winter. Last year there was an accident because of bad conditions on the road on December 27, 2009 at 9:00am. There are three children who also have to walk down the road. It was acknowledged that there are now 20 MPH signs put up on the road which they appreciate; however, some still speed on the road. Peter Fenton, Chair advised the Selectmen will alert Jeff Remillard, Road Agent as well as sand barrels will also be put out. Peter Fenton also advised that if they find it is not being attended to, to please alert the Selectmen.
Ruth Marden, Checklist Supervisors:
Ruth Marden alerted the Selectmen that the supervisors of the checklist have two lap top computers that are not working. Upon checking with IAMNET, Inc. a new laptop would cost $538.00 each. The State quote was $1000.57. These current computers were purchased in May of 2007 and January 2008. Consensus was for them to check with IAMNET, Inc to see if the present ones could be checked out. Ruth Marden advised they do need these computers for next month. The cleaning fee will be put against the Election Budget. All three should be taken to be cleaned per Peter Fenton, Chair.
Marlene Freyler, Landscaping Info:
Marlene Freyler advised they have $500.00 in the flower budget, and they are going to use it.
East Main Street Property:
George Cilley questioned what is happening to the Sanborn property on East Main Street. It was stated that a letter had been sent to the owner via Certified mail, but was returned as an incorrect address had been used. A correct address has been obtained and the letter will be re-sent, with a specified date. The Building Inspector advised there has been no plan and no permit to date, but a demo permit is still valid. This allows taking down or dis-assembling the second floor and the roof, after which is done, a Building Permit will have to be obtained from the Building Inspector.
Harry Wright advised he had read the RSA and it speaks to a year from the date of the event, does not speak of any change of ownership.
Dick Keller thanked the Selectmen for repairing the Breezy Hill Road.
Regular Business:
Accounts payable and payroll manifests were reviewed and signed by the Selectmen.
A letter has gone out for Re-certification, however, will not be done in time for the filing of MS1.
A letter went out today for people who have Exemptions, Veterans or Current Use. Any questions, change in property etc., should contact the Selectmen’s Office to talk with the Assessors on September 9, 2010.
The public will be able to talk with the Assessors on September 23, 24, 25, 2010. This will be in the Bradford Bridge as well as on the Web Site.
The Exploratory Committee met on the 4th of August and discussed incremental changes that could be made to the Town Hall. This committee includes: Audrey Sylvester, Eileen Kelly, Cheryl Behr, Trudy Willett, Marcia and Dick Keller, Marlene Freyler, Jane Johnsen and Sandy Wright. A goal is to have projects without interfering with each other, so there would be no duplication in effort. Elevators were being checked into. Michael Bruss is checking on a cistern. It was suggested that the Historical Society may be interested in becoming involved. The Committee will be meeting again on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 6:00pm.
Mr. McCloud asked if the town could use some fiberglass insulation. Peter Fenton, Chair advised they could use it and Thanked Mr. McCloud for his donation.
The Town clock in the Church steeple has the new face installed, and is now waiting for the necessary repairs to be done.
It was noted that the painting will start a week after Labor Day in the town hall. The Highway crew will be doing the priming and the trim. A Thank You was expressed to Sandy Wright on re-upholstering the chairs in the conference room.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised Cartographic Associates came and picked up the maps to re-do them. This Association can superimpose our tax map on ariel photographs which allows a 180 degree view around buildings as well as identify wetlands. The annual cost for maintaining the Web Site is $1800.00. There is a start up fee of $1500.00. Abutters lists, labels, as well as other features can be obtained from this. Anyone could print a mailing list from this as well as the tax card; however, the information would also be available at the town office. Cheryl Behr, Administrator will pass this information on to the Planning Board. Marcia Keller, Planning Board Chair suggested including the Conservation Commission.
Comments were discussed about whether someone would not want their name etc. on the Web Site, and it was stated that they could request it not be there.
Ken Anderson and Lois Kilnapp have forwarded paperwork for a Used Oil Grant which could realize $2500.00 annually. $100.00 is used on speedy dry annually around the Transfer Station. $750.00 has been used to clean up the Waste Oil burner. Other uses for this Grant include: drying tanks, concrete beds, transfer pumps, absorbents, filter pressures and promotional items. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she will check with Jeff Remillard, Road Agent to see if he could use another tank for waste oil storage.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she has been working on a Grant for West Main Street Sidewalks. This is a Non Matching Grant.
Timber Taxes will be going out.
Electrical bills were discussed and there could be a savings by going with a broker (who handles several companies) and signing up for four months to the first of the year, then go for six months, or sign up for the year. There would be a 6% + savings through December per Harry Wright who also went to the meeting in New London. It was suggested to go with the broker now and see what PSNH will be setting for new rates.
It was pointed out that it costs the town nothing, but would save the 6% now.
It was stated that the town can switch back anytime to PSNH if desired. Cheryl Behr, Administrator will check on the deadline to do the transfer.
Review and Consideration of the August 3, 2010 minutes:
Motion was made by Harry Wright to approve the August 3, 2010 minutes with the following edits: On page 3, 9 lines up from the bottom of the page should read:
West Road Bridge repair was delayed briefly due to unsatisfactory concrete beams.
Same page, next line, date for being complete is Sept 8, 2010. Motion seconded by Jack
Meaney. Motion carried 3-0.
Marcia Keller requested if the name of the new Highway Foreman could be announced, to which the name of Brian Houghton was forthcoming from the Selectmen.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton, Chair to go into Non-Public session at 6:44pm per RSA 91:A-3:II regarding personnel. Motion seconded and carried 3-0.
Non-Public Session:
Motion was made and seconded to write a letter to an employee.
Motion carried 3-0.
Out of Non-Public Session at 7:03pm and meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes 08.03.10
August 17, 2010
TOWN OF BRADFORD
ZBA MEETING
AUGUST 3, 2010
7:00PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Brooks McCandlish, Chair called the meeting to order at 7:10pm with Les Gordon, Dick Dionne, Andrew Pinard and Bill Glennie, Alternate present. Marge Cilley, Secretary was absent.
Review and Consideration of July 6, 2010:
Motion was made and seconded to approve the July 6, 2010 minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Application:
At the last ZBA meeting, Doug Webb, Lumber Barn, Route 114, Map 7, Lot 2 was in and was going to bring in a Plot Plan etc. to the ZBA, prior to their next scheduled meeting which is tonight. Mr. Webb did not appear at this evenings meeting.
Harry Wright:
Harry Wright had requested meeting with the ZBA regarding building a garage on his property. Harry Wright was unavailable at this time as he was in a Non-Public Selectmen’s meeting. The ZBA did discuss his proposal as being a 20′ by 20′garage with two doors, close to Oakdale, 34 feet back from the edge of the road. The plan did not show if it were a single story or not. Discussion ensued. In reply to a question asked by Everett Kittredge, the garage in question is on the opposite side of the road from the storage shed. Everett Kittredge advised there was a similar case a few years ago, and it was denied by the Zoning Board and it went to the Superior Court, who agreed with the ZBA. Everett’s suggestion was to review that case and the circumstances of that case prior to making a decision.
Lengthy discussion ensued.
Alternate, Brian Muchow arrived and was seated for Bill Glennie per Brooks McCandlish, Chair.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm after waiting an hour for Mr. Wright to appear.
Respectfully submitted.
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Budget Committee Minutes 08.10.10
August 16, 2010
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 9, 2010
6:30PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Gary Wall, Chair called the August 9, 2010 Budget Committee meeting to order at 6:30pm with Chris Aiken, Don Jackson, Dick Keller, George Cilley, Beth Rodd, and Marge Cilley Secretary present.
Gary Wall expressed concern regarding who does and who does not receive e-mails. Secretary will check the list she sends information to. Perhaps a tag should be put on so the sender can receive a receipt.
Review and Consideration of July 20, 2010 minutes:
4312 Highway Dept. Under 4303, Repairs and Maintenance - Equipment: The Budget Committee considered this request, and voted to NOT recommend transfer of the $40,000 to the Highway Budget.
4155 Employee Benefits: Should read increasing amount by $7,000.00 by moving it to a Family Plan.
4225 Rescue Squad last sentence should read Richard Branch.
Motion was made by Dick Keller to approve the July 20, 2010 minutes with the above edits. Seconded by Beth Rodd. Motion carried 6-0.
Department Heads:
A letter will be drafted to all Department Heads regarding projections for their operating budgets and requesting them to come before the Budget Committee to start the budget process, beginning the second week of October. Beth Rodd will draft the letter and forward to all members of the board for their input. Discussion ensued regarding putting the suggested minimum of a 5% cut across the board to all departments as a goal.
The Budget Committee requested the secretary to estimate total hours needed to do the job, as well as necessary supplies and to report at the next meeting.
Other topics of conversation included:
Costs for new lawsuit.
Use of Highway equipment, skid steer, overtime etc.
Public Input:
Robert Manchester handed out some information sheets with comparisons between what other towns are receiving in services for their money and what Bradford is paying and receiving. Some areas of concern include: 1. The Police Dept. Bradford Police Department is costing taxpayers approximately
$193.00 per individual compared to a survey of 56 towns in MA whose per capita
cost equaled $191.00.
2. Fire Dept. Using the same Mass. survey, Fire protection costs per capita were
$178.00 as opposed to Bradford’s approximately $70.00 per capita.
3. The Community Center The existing programs that are on-going there, rental of
space etc. and not being self sustainable. Mention was made of the Farmer’s Market and there being only 4 vendors now and the Summer Camp not going on this summer.
The cost per capita for the use of the facility for the CAP program which is utilized  for the benefit of not only Bradford, but Henniker, Warner, Sutton etc. is
approximately $55.00. It was pointed out that even 20/25% of services benefiting
non-Bradford residents represents a sizeable contribution to them, at no remuneration.
Mr. Manchester advised the Community Center was not supposed to cost the town anything; however, it is now costing the town $65,000. and the town is providing the State of NH a facility for the sum of $10,000. Meals on Wheels could utilize some other spot in Bradford, such as the Mason’s building, Church etc. per Mr. Manchester.
If the Community Center were disestablished as a Community Center, it would solve a couple of problems, such as facilities from here could be moved directly over there and town offices could be accommodated in that building. Mr. Manchester advised he has discussed this with the Fire Chief, and nothing would need to be done at the Community Center facility. Also, if the fireworks budget was cut for a couple of years, there would be even more money for road work.
Mr. Manchester advised there could still be rooms available in the Community Center for groups to meet. Insurance was brought up as a concern at the Community Center. It was brought up that Parks & Rec’s revolving budget should go through the town office.
The board thanked Mr. Manchester for his input.
Meeting adjourned 7:50pm.
Next Meeting will be set up later.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
