TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
JULY 19, 2011
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30pm with Jack Meaney, Barry Wheeler, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Gary Wall, Chair Budget Committee:
Gary Wall, Chair came before the Selectmen and presented the following letter to the Selectmen:
Bradford Board of Selectmen 7/19/2011
Good afternoon Gentlemen,
I have been unofficially informed that the budget line items for the secretary to the budget committee & zoning board have been rescinded & redistributed. I question the wisdom of this decision in light of the legal requirements & proceedings that are placed on the committee and board.
Who will take the minutes, decipher them & present them in due time? Who will be the point person of the group? How will you avoid a quorum when communicating? Who will be the point person of the group? Who will post the meetings in due time? Who will be the one who will step forward and accept this position? Not only does it interfere with the proceedings & requirements of the Committee & Board, it takes away income from the Secretary & makes the overall position less attractive.
If it is available funds that are the concern, I suggest that you look at the unanticipated income from scrap metal @ the transfer station or unanticipated timber tax from the operation going on @ High St. or the unexpended funds for rental equipment @ the Highway Department.
As you know, the position of a secretary is vital to the operation & functions of a committee or board. The members of these committees & boards should not be encumbered with the duties of the secretary but should spend their time performing the charges of their office.
I trust you will hear & understand the words & importance of this message & reinstate the funds for the secretary to the Budget Committee & Zoning Board.
Thank you for your time.
Gary Wall – Chairman
Bradford Budget Committee.
Gary Wall, Chair Budget Committee advised the intent of the letter does not dwell on where the funds are, but talking about something very vital to the Boards to continue to have a secretary, and as little as it amounts to they should be able to come up with the funds.
Harry Wright, Chair advised it was their thought that in the best interest of the town was to have the Select Board secretarial function maintained since more people read that on line etc. The secretary would continue with the Selectmen and the Budget Committee and Zoning Board of Adjustment could keep their own minutes. Much discussion ensued.
Brooks McCandlish, Chair ZBA advised it is vital for accurate minutes. Harry Wright, Chair advised the secretary to the Planning Board is beyond just being secretary, but posts notices, filing documents, sending certified mailings etc. Brooks McCandlish, Chair ZBA advised the same requirements apply to the ZBA. Brooks advised it would be appreciated if the Selectmen would talk with the respective boards prior to making a decision. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the shortfall in the budget was not due to the Selectmen’s part, but Town Meeting chose to take eight thousand dollars out of the Selectmen’s budget which was for part time salaries.
Brooks McCandlish, ZBA Chair advised it is particularly important to have good records for the Public Hearings and we have one scheduled for August 3, 2011 with a couple more on the horizon, and I suggest that we are able to keep the Secretary for the Public Hearings, do the notices, file the documents and postings necessary.
Motion was made by Jack Meaney to put the money back into the Budget Committee and the Zoning Board of Adjustment budgets to retain the Secretary. The Selectmen will go back to taking their own minutes when their secretarial funds run out. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
Laura Hallahan, BIA
Laura Hallahan stated that Beth Rodd will read a letter from Eileen Kelly of the Bradford Improvement Association thanking the Selectmen for the use of the upstairs of the Town Hall for the Art Show during the 4th celebration. Letter is on file.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to allow the BIA to use the upstairs the day before, the day of the show and to clean up the following day at next year’s town celebration. Seconded by Barry Wheeler. Motion carried 3-0.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator suggested an added condition be for the area to be left clean.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Accounts Payable and payroll manifest were reviewed and signed.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator read a letter from Janet Richter regarding checking on a wood stove.
Cheryl Behr, Chair read a letter (letter on file) from Dawn Rich regarding the BACC and requesting grandfather clause in keeping Jim Valiquet on the Board. Jack Meaney advised the RSA is adamant about the member being a town resident.
Signatures were done on Lowe State Forest.
Abatements were signed.
Benefit cost analysis class for Breezy Hill Road Bridge discussed.
Public Notice for Griggs – fourth publication has been printed and the deadline for communication is July 23, 2011.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised there are computer problems in their office.
Community Center list of needs were discussed including the back yard fence. George Cilley reiterated the fence is now not necessary as it was originally installed when there was a school. Mark Goldberg concurred.
It was noted that the Police Department temporary mobile unit is in place for use while the Police Department is being repaired.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised there was medium mold found in the town hall.
Project proposal for NH Clean Diesel Grant program was received per Cheryl Behr, Administrator.
Certification Assessment has been received from the Department of Revenue.
Discussion ensued regarding Breezy Hill Bridge and Amendment one of contract is in, which means the next phase, and not changing anything. This involves: subsurface investigation, environmental review, and engineering study.
Laura Hallahan questioned if the motion made at the Sidewalk Forum on July 12, 2011, regarding the material of the new anticipated sidewalk was binding. Laura advised she had discussed this with Jeff Remillard, Road Agent and he had some concerns about the poured concrete and the cost of maintenance of it, versus the stamped asphalt. Mike Croteau, SEA advised he has produced a table of different surfaces showing pros and cons.
Discussion ensued regarding a prospective letter to an individual on Old Warner Road who has done some building without a permit.
Marcia Keller, Chair Planning Board requested when an intent to cut is signed a Map and Lot number and persons name be incorporated into the minutes which would be extremely helpful to the Planning Board.
Adjourned at 6:50pm to go into Non-Public session per RSA 91A:3IIc
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary