Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:02 pm.
Roll Call: Beth Downs (Chair), Mel Pfeifle, Marlene Freyler
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Beth called for a moment of silence in honor of those lost on September 11, 2001
Review Minutes of August 28, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to accept the August 28, 2023 minutes as written
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Appearances:
Jim Bibbo – Municipal Budget Committee. Appeared to give an overview of how Jim Bibbo represents Bradford with the Municipal Budget Committee. Beth asked that the School District Representatives from Bradford update the Select Board during the budget process to inform the Bradford budget process.
Marilyn Goldberg – Treasurer. Appeared to discuss options for payment to vendors. Accounting procedures for an online bill payment were discussed. Marilyn will come in again for the first October meeting to report.
Walter Royal – Building Inspector. Two permits were signed. There was discussion about the demolition of the Sunshine Farm barn. Beth asked why the demolition happened before the permit was signed. Walter explained that while the building was being emptied, previous structural damage, of which the owners were unaware, caused the barn to collapse. The Board would like citizens to know that planning is necessary before buildings are built or changed. The Board reminded folks that as of August 28, 2023, they are signing all building permits and that permits are not valid until signed.
Bryan Nowell – Fire Chief. Bryan was called away.
Ed Shaughnessy – Police Chief. Police calls are about the same as last year. Financials: the department has 41% of budget left with 35% of the budget year left. Dispatch for next year will be going up about $10k due to infrastructure upgrades in hardware and software. Ed informed the Board that cruiser replacement remains necessary at every six years rather than nine as was recently discussed in the CIP Committee. There are currently three police vehicles.
Public Input: None
Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature: Completed
Town Hall Update: Gardeners have been looking at ideas for landscaping; the ADA Ramp is complete; the sprinkler system pump is installed; the new tin ceiling in the first-floor meeting room is being installed; most of the carpet and vinyl flooring has been installed; countertops at the service windows are being installed; electric panels are being installed with the next steps being an inspection by Eversource, then the installation of the new transformer.
August Expenses: All expenses are within range. About 33% of the budget year remains and many departments have 40% remaining.
Update on Credit Card and Purchasing Policies: The Board discussed the procedure for approving expenditure amounts on budgeted items as well as warrant article and unexpected purchases. The Board agreed that purchase orders are not necessary. The Board agreed to the changes suggested by the Department Heads’ review of the policy.
Follow up Class VI Road Guidance: Matt Monahan has submitted a policy for Board review. Karen suggested that the policy be reviewed by Town counsel.
New Business:
October meeting schedule: Monday, October 9 (holiday) meeting is rescheduled to Tuesday, October 10.
Letter with Multiple Concerns: Letter dated August 31, 2023 from Virginia Brooks. The Board addressed the concerns outlined in the letter.
Sign Driveway Permit Map 2 Lot 102B: Permit signed.
NH State Representatives will be appearing at the September 25 meeting to report on legislation and gather information from the Select Board.
Motion: Beth Downs moved to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (a) 8:00 pm.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to return to public session at 8:23 p.m.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Meeting adjourned: 8:23 pm
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford
Upcoming meetings: September 25, 2023, October 10, 2023