Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes 11.07.16

Board of Selectmen Minutes

November 7, 2016

Pledge of Allegiance

Meeting called to order at 5:10

Roll Call- John Pfeifle, Chairman; Sonny Harris, Selectman; Jim Bibbo, Selectman

Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator

  1. Non-public per Non Public Session – RSA 91-A:3IIc

Entered public session at 5:35pm

Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer joined the meeting

Appearances

Aimee Sherman: John read the proclamation declaring November 17th as World Pancreatic Cancer here in Bradford. Motion to declare November 17th as Pancreatic Cancer here in Bradford, Vote 3-0 Aimee Sherman gratefully accepted the proclamation.

Bradford Historical Society: Steve Chase presented that the Historical Society would like to propose a Town warrant article to fund the drilling of a well. Steve went over each line item of their 5-phase project. They are requesting $9,500.00 for the well. Sonny suggested that they not put in an Artesian well, but rather a pounded well. An exact location has not been identified yet. Funding from the Town Warrant will likely expedite the entire project by about a year. The Selectmen are in support of the Warrant article. Motion to approve with changes made in regards to the well, Vote 3-0

Golf club house casino: Steve shared postcards of the old golf club property. He recapped the discussion the Historical Society had regarding the acceptance and relocation of the Casino as a donation. Ultimately the Historical Society felt that private ownership of the building would be a better solution. Steve read the letter to the Board stating the Historical Society’s support of this project and willingness to work with the current owner. The Historical Society is willing to put together an exhibit on the Pleasant View Golf Course. The Selectmen look forward to seeing the exhibit.

Charlie Trowbridge: Charlie explained the recent expansion of the Veterans property tax exemption. In September, the Governor signed a law that enables towns to adopt an RSA granting all veterans a tax exemption. Currently, there are limitations to the exemption based on the dates one served. There are 80 veterans receiving the $500 exemption in Bradford. To qualify, veterans need to have served for a minimum of 90 days and have been honorably discharged. John suggested making this Warrant Item and the others agreed. Motion to make this a Warrant item, vote 3-0

Claire James and Jane Johnsen: Claire presented her design for a potential sign for the Bradford Green (the Marshall/Naughton property). The Board said they do not need to fill out a sign application because the sign is going on town property. The complete cost of the sign is being covered through donations.

Chief of Police, Jim Valiquet: Agrees that a letter should be sent to Mr. Wilcox. The Chair suggested Mr. Wilcox be given an additional two weeks to clean up the property and closing monitoring his progress during that time. The Chief agrees to this suggestion. The Board will send a letter to Mr. Wilcox advising him such and stating it will be revisited in 2 weeks. Motion to give Wilcox two more weeks to remove cars and debris, Vote 3-0

Skating Rink: Parks and Rec is interested in putting in a skating rink on the Naughton Property and requested that the water needs for the rink be factored into the well placement and size requested by the Historical Society.

Regular Business

  1. Town Hall Update: Working on completing basement and working out the issues with the ceiling tiles. Karen will follow up with Fire Marshal regarding tiles.
  2. The Board accepted donation for the Town Hall Restoration Trust Fund.
  3. The Board authorized the payment of invoice from Town Hall Restoration Trust Fund for the KLG Architecture.
  4. Letter from Town Hall Restoration Oversight Committee: Board will review the letter presented tonight and asked that further discussion be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
  5. Request to use Town Hall meeting space from Bradford Historical on April 17th, 2017 and the Board approved this.
  6. Letter requesting multiple year abatement for Michael Malecha. John suggested a letter be sent explaining that the Board cannot grant abatements for prior years.
  7. Board signed Tax Anticipation Note Request
  8. Board reviewed the 20165 MS-1 and compared it to the 2015 MS-1. Board signed 2016 MS-1.
  9. Motion to allow Selectmen’s Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant to continue receiving medical benefits while she is home with her daughter who was just informed that she will need surgery. Vote 3-0
  10. Karen will follow up with Barry Wheeler about sidewalk sealing.
  11. Expenses to date: John went over the Town’s October expense report. Overall we have approximately 23% of our budget remaining.

Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest reviewed and signed.

Minutes of October 24, 2016 meeting were reviewed and accepted with no change.

The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at the Bradford Area Community Center.

Meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.

Minutes submitted by Molly Hopkins