TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Peter Fenton, Chair called the meeting to order with Jack Meaney, Harry Wright, Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Peter Fenton, Chair stated that once again there is unfortunate news, Isabel Sheehan passed away last evening. She was another person who did a lot for the Town of Bradford, being very involved with the Bicentennial Celebration, a pro Bradford person who will be missed.
Also, Sandy Wright was thanked for all she has done in the painting of the Town Hall, which looks very nice.
APPEARANCES:
Robert Manchester came before the Selectmen regarding the Community Center and discussed the handout showing activities that took place there on a weekly and/or monthly timeframe, which was done by Cheryl Behr, Administrator.
Robert Manchester advised there appears to be no overlap where one activity would be pushed out for another activity.
The lease for CAP for the Senior Center is up for negotiation, and there will be a meeting on Friday with a representative from CAP, Pam Jolivette, Director of Elder Services of Concord, here at 9:30am. (This meeting has since been changed to Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 1:00pm.) It was stated that it was agreed with the Senior Center Director here, who was instructed by his supervisor in Concord, that all discussions with CAP would come with people from CAP in Concord, and they would give us the information that is needed. Under RSA 91- A: 3 the Friday morning meeting is not a private meeting, therefore is open to the public.
Some issues with CAP were brought up, such as the Meals on Wheels regarding reimbursement from surrounding towns. Mr. Manchester advised the town pays an administrative fee to CAP $9,000.00 annually. They pay Bradford about $6500.00 for rent for the use of the facility exclusively between 8:30am and 2:30pm for meals on wheels and senior center activities. This also includes the parking lot use for whatever wear and tear there is for 5 days a week for the delivery of the food.
Another area the Selectmen should consider, if the surrounding towns could pick up some of the costs outside the CAP issues.
An issue that should be terminated immediately, or at least have the Town Attorney give guidance on is regarding the James House Program, who brings a special needs child to the BACC to tutor. Could this be a liability issue, questioned by Mr. Manchester?
Mr. Manchester questioned moving a town function to the Community Center, giving the existing Police Department more room where they are.
It was determined that the rent paid by CAP amounts to about $5.69 per square foot, as compared to Commercial rents in New London of about $12.00 per square foot, consequently, they should pay more or an adjustment could be made to the management fee. The total estimated income from last year was $10,000.00.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator read two letters written to the Kearsarge Area Preschool as well as Pam Jolivette, Director of Elder Services.
Kate Dobrowski advised the James House Program actually had three supervisors with the child at all times and it was a short term program. When questioned about the liability, Kate advised that both the school and town do have insurance through LGC.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised Kate that paper work does need to be on file at the Selectmen’s office regarding insurance etc. for any programs held at the Community Center.
Peter Fenton, Chair stated that they want to see Community Center building used more efficiently. It appears that the occupancy is around 30% which is not enough. When the building was first done over, it was supposed to support itself per Peter Fenton, Chair, and it is not doing so. It was stated that if the bottom floor is not used efficiently, then perhaps it could be used for another purpose. Kate Dobrowski advised that the bottom floor is used heavily during the school year with: Girl Scouts, Bridge Club, various meetings. Weekends the rooms are not used much. Saturday mornings are used frequently. Kate advised there is a board at the front entrance of the Community Center showing all the activities going on during the month. Kate suggested putting on line the calendar of events for each month. Many of the groups are non-profit and do not pay, such as the Girl Scouts, who bartered and planted flowers, raked and did landscaping.
Harry Wright suggested rents need to be received, but that shortfall would not be met, and usage of rooms needs to be increased. Kate Dobrowski advised Jim Denoncourt cleans the CAP office and kitchen. The janitorial care needs to be addressed.
Kate Dobrowski will produce a sheet to the Selectmen at their next meeting to show who pays rent. It was also suggested that Kate contact the Selectmen regarding future rentals.
Kate Dobrowski brought up the following concerns: Proposal for Day Care, Road Race, income and expenses, Landscaping – pest control, concerned about the product used. The Selectmen will get in touch with the Landscaper regarding the product being used. Harry Wright suggested the public come up with any ideas for the Community Center.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator read three letters into the record (letters on file) regarding the Community Center, one of which was from a user from Sutton.
Harry Wright reiterated one more time, the Community Center is not going to be closed, but a more comprehensive look at the usage and potential expanded usage as well as the expenses need to be checked, a work in progress.
Accounts payable and payroll were reviewed and signed.
Audits and financials were signed
Uniform service paperwork done
FEMA deposit for March 29th flood in the amount of $14,586.41 was received.
Letter to Department Heads for signatures presented.
James Valiquet, Police Chief has interviewed three part time officers, two of which are employed in other towns. Uniforms will be needed as well as training.
A Visioning Session will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A Preschool letter was signed.
Intent to Cut on Old Warner Road, Pfeifle property, Map 3, Lot 23-1 mentioned.
Kate Dobrowski, Community Center advised there will be a Health Day on October 21, 2010 in partnership with Mountain View Senior Center and the Lake Sunapee Visiting Nurses which will utilize most of the whole building.
Marcia Keller advised she has spoken with Jeff Taylor who agreed to facilitate a Visioning Session for which there would be a cost to the town of $1,000. Marcia will check with the Planning Board at their next meeting to see if they would help with the funding, using money they have not used this year. A Wednesday evening, November 10, 2010 was suggested to hold a meeting at the school.
It was also stated that Audrey Sylvester requested Cheryl Behr, Administrator to submit a Seven to Save nomination for the Town Hall with the NH Preservation Alliance. Audrey took many pictures of the building which were submitted last Friday.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she is under the assumption that the Selectmen will be handing out the worksheet to the Department Heads for the 2010-2011 budget, to which the Selectmen agreed. Peter Fenton, Chair advised he would like to see a 0% increase this year.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the Solid Waste tonnage is considerably below the anticipated tonnage at 414 this year. Last years tonnage was 605. The cooperative is not happy, as many towns are considerably below. This could mean an increase in rate next year. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she had received an e-mail from Charlie Brown, from Nottingham advising that Public Works in towns are having problems and are being concerned about people picking over the metal and construction demolition piles at waste sites.
Question on time and place concerning a ceremony for Boston Cane recipient was discussed. Also, the idea from Susan Pehrson was to mount the cane and put a brass plate with names of recipients on it.
Review and consideration of September 7, 2010 minutes:
Motion was made by Jack Meaney to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Harry Wright. Motion carried 3-0.
Ken Anderson was thanked for trimming the lilacs in the front of the town hall.
Mention was made that two signs have been placed on Marshall Hill Road, in both directions as requested by Phyllis and Brian Wilcox.
Mention was made that the Assessors were will be here on Thursday, Sept.23, 2010, Friday, Sept. 24, 2010 and Saturday, September 25, 2010.
Marcia Keller suggested the speed limit should be 40 MPH on Route 114 until after the Lumber Barn driveway, the 55 MPH current speed does not make any sense going by the businesses. The State would have to be petitioned to make a change.
Phil LaMoreaux questioned the current status on Breezy Hill Bridge.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised November 1, 2010 is the submission date for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant. Cheryl also advised she is going down for some Benefit Cost Analysis Training, and they will help to do the paperwork to replace the bridge on #103. This will be the first one to be replaced. If something can be done with the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant, they will pick up 75% of the cost, then the State would pick up 20% of the balance, leaving the towns share at about $60,000. A Bailey Bridge has been requested.
Peter Fenton, Chair advised they will go into Non-Public session as requested by Susan Pehrson per RSA 91-A:3-II at 7:05pm
Non Public Meeting 7:05pm
Decision was that Erica Gross, Assistant Town Clerk has successfully completed her probationary period.
Out of Non-Public at 8:10pm
Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary