Selectmen’s Minutes 09.10.18

Board of Selectmen Meeting

September 10, 2018

Pledge of Allegiance

Meeting called to order at 5:30 pm

Roll Call- Jim Bibbo, Chairman; John Pfeifle, Selectman; Michael James, Selectmen; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator and Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer were in attendance

Appearances:

  1. Perry Teele appeared to discuss concerns about crossing traffic at the intersection of Fairgrounds Road and West Meadow Road. Chief Valiquet also spoke about a concern with safety at the intersection. The Select Board will have the Road Crew place a yield sign at this intersection and John will speak with the Messer family about cutting back the brush at the corner. John asked the Chief to look at the intersection of Jones Road and Center Road to determine if any improvements should be made at that intersection.
  2. Melissa Cloutier, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, appeared to introduce Michael Kelly, the new Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector. The Board signed his Appointment form and Personal Action Request Form as part of the hiring process.

 Regular Business: 

  1. The Board plans to decide to whom they will make an offer to serve as Road Agent in closed session tonight. No announcement will be made regarding the hiring of the role until any individual offered the role has accepted.
  2. The Board discussed updates related to the Town Hall revitalization efforts:

The Board had previously decided to accept the Capital Alarms quote for the Town Hall alarm system. Karen asked the Board to allow the vendor that supports the Community Center and Police Department, ESP, to also bid on the activity. The Board approved requesting an additional bid.

John Pfeifle read into record an email from Sonny Harris relaying his concerns around preservation of archived records being stored at the Town Hall. The Board agreed to pursue completing the previously planned, environmentally controlled, record storage room at the Town Hall as well as identifying the cost associated with securing a temporary environmentally control trailer as suggested by Walter Royal.

  1. Karen informed the Board that Irving Oil was the low bidder for propane service. The Town received a rate of $1.491, a $0.25 increase over the previous year. The Board accepted Irving as the provider for the 2018-2019 heating season.
  2. The Selectmen reviewed a Tax Exemption request for a Solar Panel installation. The request was denied as the Application was submitted after the due date.
  3. The Board discussed what options there were to have the unassembled mobile/modular home next to the Transfer Station removed. Walter stated the units are for sale. Karen will speak with the Planning Board about Zoning Ordinance amendments that would eliminate having unoccupied units sit empty for future scenarios.
  4. Karen gained Jim’s signature on a Report Acceptance Letter for the 2017 Audit.
  5. The Board reviewed the Q3 Expense Report. Areas of concern are Legal expenses and Town Hall heating.
  6. The Board discussed kicking off the Budget process for 2019. Karen will contact the Department Heads requesting they submit their budgets by October 19th with the intent to review the submissions in conjunction with the Budget Committee. Michael will discuss the process with the Budget Committee.
  7. The Selectmen discussed staffing the Election on September 11th, 2018.
  8. The Board reviewed a request for abatement on interest accrued on a tax bill. The request was denied.
  9. A request was received by Karen to address a twisted sign. Karen will have the Road Crew address the sign in question and also request that the Road Crew establish a list of signs that do not comply with current regulations.
  10. Marlene Freyler alerted the Board to concerns about damage being caused by trees and shrubs at the cemeteries. The Cemetery crews will be removing these plantings to prevent further damage.
  11. Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
  12. Minutes from August 27th meeting were reviewed.

Motion: John Pfeifle motion to accept.

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

The Board adjourned to Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A3II b at 6:39pm

Motion: John Pfeifle motion to move to Non-Public session

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

After a 5 minute recess, the meeting resumed. A decision to offer the position to one of the applicants was made.

The Board adjourned to Public Session per RSA 91 – A3II b at 7:05pm

The Board adjourned the meeting at 7:06pm

Motion: John Pfeifle motioned to adjourn

Second: Michael James

Decision: vote 3-0 in favor

The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday September 17th, 2018 at the Bradford Area Community Center.

Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary