Selectmen’s Minutes 12.18.23

Select Board Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.

Roll Call: Beth Downs (Chair), Mel Pfeifle, Marlene Freyler
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator

Public Hearing – Unanticipated Revenue

Open Public Hearing 6:01 pm

Motion: Beth Downs moved to open the public hearing to accept unanticipated revenue
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $25,283.66 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 31:95-b in State of NH in Special Block Grant Funding to be used for highways.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Motion: Beth Freyler moved that the Board accept $35,897.35 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 31:95-b in State of NH in Special Block Grant Funding to be used for bridges.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $101,000.00 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 31:95-b in State of NH in Clean Diesel Grant Funding to be used to purchase the John Deere Grader. This is a reimbursement.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $17,255.00 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 31:95-b in State of NH Department of Safety Search and Rescue Grant Funds for Police Department Search and Rescue equipment.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $21,742.56 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 31:95-b in State of NH Department of Justice Grant Funds for Police Department portable radios.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Close public hearing 6:10 pm

Motion: Mel Pfeifle moved to close the public hearing
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Appearances:

Chief Ed Shaughnessy – Police Department Update.
Charge for police details: Ed sought the Board’s approval in simplifying the rate charged for details that are served for entities outside the Town of Bradford (example: when police are needed to be on the road for TDS work). Ed suggested a rate of $98 per hour if a car is used. Breaking down to $60 per hour for the officer, $17 per hour for the car and $21 per hour for administration. The plan is to have revenue from the use of the police vehicle be set aside to help fund future police vehicles. Karen will check on the best way to account for this charge.
Moving the Police Department to the BACC: At Mel’s request, Ed and the Board discussed the possibility of moving the Police Department to the BACC to offset the rental expense. Ed will work with the Facilities Use Committee to look at this option.
Budget: Ed will be in touch with the Board about any changes.

Public Input: David Latham asked for information about the tax rate. The Board discussed the components that contribute to the tax rate. The regional and state education rates are established by the KRSD School Board and NH State education. The Board explained the budget and plan for road repair.

Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature. Complete

Town Hall Update. Karen reported that the process of winding up the project has slowed some, however, it does move forward. Once we have a certificate of occupancy, we will choose a date to celebrate the Town Hall’s reopening.

Budget Development
Warrant Articles: The Board discussed changes to various warrant articles to reduce the overall amount to be voted by residents at Town Meeting. The changes will be discussed and voted on by the Budget Committee at their January meeting. Budget items were discussed as well.

New Business:
Sign Disbursement Letter to Trustees. Signed
Sign 2024 Fireworks Contract. Signed.
Letter from the Treasurer. Signed.
Sign Intent to Cut Map 3 Lot 73. Signed.
Sign Intent to Cut Map 3 Lot 69. Signed.
Sign Intent to Cut Map 3 Lot 74-01. Signed.
Sign Personnel Action Form. Signed.

Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A, 3II (a).
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to return to public session at 8:32 pm.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 pm.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0, all in favor

Upcoming meeting: January 8, 2024

Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary