Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:02 pm
Roll Call: Marlene Freyler, Beth Downs, Mel Pfeifle
Also in attendance Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Review Minutes
Motion: Beth Downs moved to accept minutes from February 13, 2023 as written
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Appearances:
Energy Committee: Kathleen Bigford appeared for the Energy Committee with two questions
- Is there a way to recognize revenue in the budget or capital improvement plan? Specifically, when rebates are received for weatherization or energy saving work, that revenue goes into the general fund. Karen Hambleton said that at present revenue is not regularly reviewed in the budgeting process, only expenses. Revenue is always trackable in Town accounting and perhaps could be made easier to find. Mel Pfeifle mentioned that this same question has been asked by other departments and committees that receive grants and donations. The Select Board and Karen will discuss this further to find a way to recognize revenue in budgeting and capital improvement planning.
- In planning for a solar installation, Kathleen asked if the site at the Transfer Station adjacent to gravel excavation would be available. Mel answered that it is not at this time as plans for gravel excavation are under consideration.
Transfer Station: Lois Kilnapp asked if the Dump Road could be plowed during the winter whenever there is snow, whether or not the dump is open. Recycling vendors and other vendors need to have access to the transfer station on non-open days. Mel will ask the Highway Department to plow Dump Road between 8:00 and 9:00 am when it snows.
Tax Collector: Erica Gross appeared to discuss beginning the deeding process on the property at 17 Cilley Lane. After several letters and notices over the past two years, taxes and interest on the property have not been paid. Erica explained that this property is several years behind in taxes.
Motion: Beth Downs made a motion to begin the deeding process.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Karen will contact the property owner’s lawyer informing that the deeding process is beginning.
Public Input: None
Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature. Complete.
Town Hall Update: Karen:
- The placement of the cisterns needs to be finalized. Placement options are under the parking lot, which will create a berm, or in the basement. More information about cost of each option is being obtained.
- Placement of cameras for Town Hall Streams: The Board discussed the placement of cameras in the meeting space on the first floor. This will be decided after a visit to the Town Hall.
- It was decided that the wiring for streaming cameras should extend to the second floor for future streaming.
Revisit KRSD building fee: The request from the School District was to decrease or waive the amount of the permit fee for the new modular building at the Elementary School. At the February 13 meeting the Board had voted that the permit fee of $8,425 be billed. After investigating the costs of permitting Karen recommended a fee of $1,500.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle moved to reduce the permitting fee to $1,500 from $8,425.
Second: Beth Downs
Vote: 2-1-0
Fees – Planning Board, Zoning Board
Per February 22 email from Matt Monahan, the current ZBA fees are:
Base fee is now $80 ($40 for application and $40 for newspaper)
Abutter fee is $15
Matt is recommending the base fee be increased to $50. He also suggested a new application fee schedule be established for “Equitable Waiver of Dimensional Requirements” that matches other ZBA fees. Karen will forward to ZBA for consideration at their April meeting.
Planning Board: Matt recommended that a sign permit fee of $50 plus abutter and newspaper notice fees ($15 per abutter and $40 respectively) be established.
There was a brief discussion of Mel’s question about fee waivers to make business attractive in Bradford.
New Business:
Health Officer: Current Health Officer’s term is expiring. The current officer is willing to continue if necessary. The Board agreed to reappoint the current officer if he is willing to continue, and there are no other officer candidates interested.
July 4th Celebration: Board signed a contract for Nick’s Other Band for July 4th celebration.
Sign Tax Anticipation Note: Signed by all board members.
Other Business:
Beth brought the topic of the availability AARP Community Challenge Grants, Discussion ensued about the need for planning to identify specific projects so that we are ready when a grant opportunity presents itself. Karen stated that it appears the AARP is an annual grant.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (a) at 7:34 p.m.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to return to public session at 7:53 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Upcoming meeting: March 13, 2023
Minutes submitted by Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary