Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:01 pm.
Roll Call: Beth Downs, Marlene Freyler
Absent: Mel Pfeifle
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Review Minutes of May 22, 2023
Motion: Beth Downs made a motion to accept the minutes of May 22, 2023
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 2-0
Review Minutes of May 30, 2023
Motion: Beth Downs made a motion to accept the minutes of May 30, 2023
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 2-0
Appearances:
Jarna Perkins – Friends of the Bradford Area Community Center
- Discussion of repairs and maintenance needed on/in the building.
- Jarna explained the repairs to the gas stove in the kitchen will cost $1800 for parts. Labor is being donated. The smell from the stove is from the additive to the gas, it is not gas. It is a result of the burners not being used often enough.
- Action: Contact CAP to see what usage is planned for the stove.
- Dishwasher: Jim Valiquet, for Friends of the BACC, said the three bay sink was installed at the requirement of the Dept. of Health. A dishwasher is not necessary. CAP has been serving meals on paper because there isn’t a space to dry dishes for 20 people. Jim explained that installing a commercial dishwasher will require upgrading electric service, a major undertaking.
- Discussion of number of freezers being used to store meals on wheels food and the amount of electricity used by the freezers.
- Discussion of future of BACC, BACC governance, involvement and contribution of other towns.
- Action: Set up a meeting with CAP representative, Friends of BACC, Select Board representative to determine a plan for when the Town offices move to the Town Hall. Karen will facilitate setting up the meeting.
Bryan Nowell – Fire Dept Update
- Incidents: Year to date 81 calls (46 EMS, 35 fire); May 2023, 20 incidents (13 EMS, 7 fire); June 2023 so far, 2 incidents (2 EMS)
- The FD calendar has several EMS trainings; fire alarm testing; pump testing for engines and tanker; boat training with outside instructor
- Firefighter recruitment has gone well with two applicants to be hired by Select Board.
- The house number sign program is in full swing. Orders can be placed at any time. Financial assistance is available. Signs help with safety as well as deliveries.
- Budget is in “good shape.”
- Karen and Chief Nowell have had several meetings with Henniker Rescue reviewing the contract; a draft of which they expect to share before the next Select Board meeting.
Ed Shaughnessy – Police Dept Update
- Calls are keeping pace with last year.
- Budget: Expenses are tracking well. Chief is paying close attention to overtime.
- An Amazon driver has dropped packages (about 80) at a couple of locations in town. The PD has delivered about 40 so far. Lots of packages have been misdelivered. Residents are dealing directly with Amazon about these.
- Discussion of the new cruiser: A cage needs to be installed, and decals will be placed on the cruiser.
- July 1st event: Chief has met with Devin Pendleton to go over details. He mentioned that chairs and tables need to be off the closed road for safety.
Erica Gross – Town Clerk
Karen spoke on Erica’s behalf about a property that may need town counsel’s advice. The Select Board agreed to proceed with counsel if needed.
Public Input: None
Regular and Old Business:
Town Hall Update: Painting is proceeding, colors have been chosen and painters are working; sheet rocking continues; interior doors have been repainted off-site and are being reinstalled; new doors have been delivered; tree work has been identified; AeroBarrier on the first floor is complete; the Eversource easement work is nearly complete; boilers have been installed and fin tube is being installed.
Review May Expenses:
Bottom line looks good. All departments are tracking normally. Town Hall expenses are on target.
Appoint Masonic Building Committee:
- Members: Fire Department: Bryan Nowell; Bradford Historical Society to choose one of two volunteers; Residents: Bruce Gezelman, Pat Moreland, Anne Kratz; Economic Development Committee: Kris Foss; Select Board Representative: Mel Pfeifle.
- Karen will contact members and help organize first meeting.
New Business:
Renew Driver’s Ed lease. Present rent is $300. Karen will check with Mel and get lease signed.
Transfer Station DES Permit – review: The Board has questions for Lois during her report at the next meeting.
Accept Scholarship Donations: There are $610 private donations.
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to accept $610 in private donations.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 2-0
Sign Raffle Permits
- Bingo permit: Unsigned. Applicant needs to check with the State about Bingo rules
- BNSYS: Raffle, June 18. Signed.
Sign Eversource Energy Efficiency Offer for Fire Station: Signed
Sign Personnel Action Form: Signed
Sign Intent to Cut Map 6 Lot 8: Signed
Karen extended appreciation to Josif Bicja of Hoyle, Tanner Engineering for repairing the holes drilled into the wooden approaches of Bement Bridge. She also shared a public invitation from Merrimack County to their 200th Bicentennial Celebration.
Adjourn
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved that the meeting be adjourned at 7:20.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 2-0
Next meeting: June 26, 2023
Respectfully Submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary