Select Board Meeting called to order at 5:00 pm
Roll Call – Beth Downs and Mel Pfeifle were in attendance.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (a) at 5:00 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 2-0
Marlene Freyler arrived at 5:15 p.m.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to return to public session at 5:38 p.m.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The meeting recessed until 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call – Beth Downs, Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
Kathleen Bigford – Energy Committee – Kathleen updated the Board that Revision Energy indicated that the site proposed for the solar array at the base of the road to the Transfer Station would not work. She went on to add that the site at the Transfer Station that has been cleared for blasting and gravel resources would be perfect. She asked if a cost benefit analysis for blasting, crushing and mixing the gravel had been done. An alternate site suggested is the old Naughton Property off East Main Street. The idea of prepping another property was discussed. Kathleen offered her help with a cost/benefit analysis for the gravel or anything else that would facilitate moving this forward.
Charlie Trowbridge – Veteran’s Credits – Charlie is a member of the Wilkins-Clous-Bigelow-Pearson Post #39 in Warner and wanted to make the Select Board aware of changes to the eligibility criteria for Veteran’s Credits. For these changes to take effect, they must be readopted at Town Meeting in March.
Devin Pendleton – Parks & Recreation – Devin updated the Board on the Holiday Lights and Jingle Bus event. She said that there were more than 150 people and 3 busses that toured the holiday lights this year. She also asked the Select Board about holding a Polar Plunge in conjunction with the Fire Department. The Plunge would be held at French’s Park on New Year’s Day.
Bryan Nowell – Fire Department Update – Chief Nowell reported that there have been 205 incidents so far this year. The Department assisted Parks & Recreation in removing the swim line from French’s Park and helped deliver Thanksgiving meals. The Fire Department also helped with the Jingle Bus event. The Fire Chief visited Storytime at the Library and conducted a Fire Drill at the Elementary School. He noted two upcoming events – the Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day and the Blood Drive on January 5th. He continues to work with the Town Hall construction team on the cisterns and fire suppression. Work on the Henniker Ambulance contract is in process. The Fire Department received a $50,000 GOFFER grant and has purchased new LIFEPAK and LUCAS machines. Bryan noted that Felicia Starr has completed her EMR training and that the Bradford Fire & Rescue Association has donated $48,000 in new rescue tools to the Department.
Public Input:
None
Regular and Old Business:
The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
BACC Generator Update – The generator at the BACC is in need of a new coil and bridge rectifier. The cost for this work is just over $2200. The Board suggested we hold off on this work until after the first of the year and include it in the 2023 budget.
Town Hall Update – Karen shared that the work to identify the cistern size and details of the sprinkler system is on-going. The Town’s attorney has reviewed the construction contract and issued comments. Michael Bruss is working with Trumbull-Nelson to address slight changes to the contract. Final plans are still in the works with minor changes being made. Michael is working with LCHIP to facilitate their review and approval of the proposed work as outlined in the Town’s stewardship agreement with LCHIP. We have been given the go-ahead to submit the septic design for approval by the State. It’s likely that the construction start date will need to be pushed back again given the items needing finalization before work can start.
Expenses – Review – The budget remains very tight. Factoring in full payment of the Rescue invoice, we have 7.1% of the budget left and 7.55% of the year left.
New Business:
Appointment for Economic Development Committee – The Economic Development Committee has recommended Libby Curtis Webb be appointed to the Committee. The Board agreed and signed her appointment.
Unanticipated Revenue –
Motion: Beth Downs moved to accept unanticipated revenue from the Locality Equipment Grant in the amount of $50,000 per RSA 31:95-b for Fire Department equipment.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved to accept unanticipated revenue from the Department of Justice Grant in the amount of $10,825 per RSA 31:95-b for Police Equipment.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved to accept unanticipated revenue from a private donation in the amount of $200 per RSA 31:95-b for the 1964 Scholarship Fund.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The Board signed the annual agreement with Sanders Searches.
The Board signed the HealthTrust documents for 2023 insurance.
The Board signed the repurchase tax deed for the property at Map 14 Lot 15.
The Board agreed to hold their last meeting of the year on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 6 p.m. instead of Monday, December 26, 2022.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Upcoming Meetings:
- December 29, 2022
Minutes submitted by Karen Hambleton, Administrator.