TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 15, 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, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Harry Wright arrived at 5:40pm.
Frank Jones, Re: land on Jones Road:
Mr. Jones came before the Selectmen regarding his feelings that the Town of Bradford owes him, if nothing more, than an apology. The Town had taken his families land for taxes, and the taxes did not exist as the land was given to his family by President Lincoln. In 1941, the town of Bradford took the land for back taxes, unfairly and Mr. Jones would like the town to check into this further. This 50 acres of property is located on Jones Road. Peter Fenton, Chair advised that if Mr. Jones would get a brief history regarding this property, with names, then the town would turn it over to their Attorney to check into this further, hopefully have an answer in two weeks.
Mark Goldberg and Richard Branch re: Ambulance billing:
Richard Branch came before the Selectmen regarding purchasing a power stretcher from the ambulance funds for fourteen thousand ($14,000) dollars. This has a five year extended warrantee. This would be from the same manufacturer (Stryker Co.) as the current stretcher they are using. Mr. Branch advised they are concerned about safety issues with possible back injuries with the members and the possibility of workman’s compensation claims. This would entail absolutely no changes to the ambulance. Peter Fenton, Chair questioned what would happen if the equipment malfunctioned, and the power was no longer working, to which he was advised it would just revert back to what they are now using, being manual.
Motion was made by Jack Meaney to allow the purchase of a power Pro XT powered ambulance cot for the total price of fourteen thousand, six hundred twenty dollars and thirty five cents ($14,620.35) out of the Ambulance Fund. Cheryl Behr interjected that a purchase order is required for this purchase. Motion was seconded by Harry Wright. Motion carried 3-0.
French’s Park Erosion Issues:
A letter was read by Cheryl Behr, Administrator (letter on file) regarding concern for the French’s Park issues, by Ann and Steve Lucier. Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief advised he has talked with the Town Attorney, and the Town’s liability covering what his job responsibility is as Fire Chief, and she felt that the Town wouldn’t be held liable for making that go away. Mr. Goldberg, Fire Chief has not heard back from LGC. Much discussion ensued. One spot discussed was by the Old Ice House on Oakdale Road. Peter Fenton, Chair updated the audience regarding French’s Park with discussion of a ramp each side of the new stairs, which could be grass or permeable asphalt. A number of options were discussed, with the stairs remaining. Moveable ramps were questioned by Cheryl Behr, Administrator. Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief advised this is of timeline importance and this would consist of a 2000 foot 4 inch hose, portable fire equipment. This is not used as a training area, but would be used if and only if there was an actual problem. It was also stated that the Moose Plate Grant will not be disqualified for future Grants, as reported by Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief who has talked to them, as questioned by Cheryl Behr, Administrator. Putting in ramps would narrow up the existing steps, with three and one half to four foot width steps being left, or about 70% would be retained.
It was suggested that whatever the Fire Department constructs should tie into the same look as is there now by Mrs. David Holland. Phil LaMoreaux questioned the weight of the trucks that would be involved, and that was stated as being 40,000 pounds. That weight would tear down the existing steps and would have to be rebuilt at an estimated cost of around five hundred dollars. No trees or rocks will be removed per Mr. Goldberg.
Peter Fenton, Chair asked for a show of hands for each option.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton, Chair to install ramps consisting of 18 or 24 inch width filled with crushed stone on each side of the existing steps, making them as adaptable as they can for the fire trucks at French’s Park. Jack Meaney seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Peter Fenton, Chair thanked everyone for their comments and input.
Marlene Freyler – re: flowers:
Marlene Freyler came before the Selectmen questioning if they could put flowers in the barrels and place around town. It was advised the bottoms have rotted out of the existing barrels, and will need repairing before filling them. Other topics discussed were the Sign to put out on the Park by Route 103 which will be gotten out by Jeff Remillard and the No Parking area discussed with Chief Valiquet.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the well has run dry at the Town Hall.
Marcia Keller presented the Selectmen with a Joint Memorandum from the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen dated June 15, 2010 for the Bradford Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
Dick Keller brought to the attention of the Selectmen the condition of the Breezy Hill road. Jeff Remillard advised they are planning on shimming in a month.
Chief Valiquet discussed the Fireworks laws. Consensus was to leave as is now, using the State Statutes as the guide.
Accounts payable manifests and payroll manifests were reviewed and signed.
Intent to cut form signed for Pehrson, Map 7, Lot 63 & 64.
Abatements were signed.
Update on Cops Grant application signed.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Trudy Willet will attend a Local Energy Conference on Saturday. Cheryl Behr also discussed the Safe Routes to School Conference she attended last Monday.
Pre purchasing of fuel for 2010-2011 season was discussed. Will check into other contracts.
The restoration of the quilt that is hanging in the Town Hall was discussed at an estimated cost of $8,000.
Kate Dubrowski re: Farmer’s Market:
Kate Dubrowski, discussed the Farmer’s Market and is requesting $200.00 for a flag pole to be used in the front of the Community Center on Farmer’s Market days. Kate also advised the Friend’s will be helping with the entertainment funds. Financial handling of the money was discussed. Kate was advised that all monies should come into the town who would in turn pay all the bills, therefore being able to track what the actual cost is at the end of the year to run the Farmer’s Market.
Motion was made by Harry Wright to allow the Farmer’s Market the amount of $150.00 to purchase a flag pole. Seconded by Peter Fenton. Motion carried 3-0.
Kate Dubrowski also requested a picnic table for French’s Park and advised she has purchased a gallon of paint at the Lumber Barn. It was thought by Kate that some of this could come out of the Highway Budget as they were not going to be doing work there.
Kate stated there will be no summer camp this year as not enough signed up for it.
Marlene Freyler questioned the electric at Brown Shattuck Park. Cheryl Behr, Administrator will check into it.
The Town Clock in the Church was discussed briefly as it is being repaired at this time.
Anne Ball is going to work on the Town Report theme and layout for next year and is looking for volunteers.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator read a letter from Dennis Allen regarding the delay in Medicare processing for the ambulance money received.
Jeff Remillard advised there is a sinkhole at Box Corner which needs repairing and Davis Road will need help soon. Also the culvert on Old Warner Road will be taken care of next week, as school will be out. Outside spigots were installed at the town hall.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised that the benefits received by town employees of an overall 16% actually netted a 1% for a single person or 2% per family.
Peter Fenton, Chair advised he did attend a School Board Meeting and the budget appears to be running well.
The culvert repair around the Bruss driveway will be taken care of after the 4th of July per Jeff Remillard, Road Agent.
Jack Meaney advised he would like more information regarding Bruce Edwards’ report on CAP. Cheryl Behr, Administrator will make some telephone calls regarding this.
Review and consideration of June 1, 2010 minutes:
Motion was made by Peter Fenton, Chair to approve the June 1, 2010 minutes as presented. Seconded by Jack Meaney. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn at 8:10pm
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary