Meeting called to order at 7:00pm
Roll Call- Michael James, Jason Allen, Marlene Freyler, Marilyn Goldberg and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
Appearances:
- No appearances
Regular Business:
- Jason Allen asked to acknowledge Karen Hambleton’s resignation as well as extending the Boards condolences on the passing of police Chief Valiquet’s sister in-law.
- Minutes from the March 9th, 2020 meetings were reviewed.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to approve the minutes of March 9th, 2020.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 2-0 in favor, Marlene Freyler abstained.
- Account Payables and the Payroll Manifest were signed.
- The Board discussed the Chair and Vice Chair roles.
Motion: Michael James motioned that Jason Allen be the Chair of the Select Board.
Second: Marlene Freyler.
Decision: 3-0 in favor.
- The Board discussed who would take point with the various Department Heads. Jason will partner with the Select Board office, the Police Department and the Fire Department. Marlene Freyler will take the Budget Committee and Highway. Michael James will partner with the Planning Board and the Transfer Station.
- The COVID-19 outbreak was discussed. Karen shared information provided by the State, as well as an update on the various organizations that utilize the Community Center. The environment is changing on a daily basis. Jason asked that Karen reach out to other Boards and Committees and that they stay in touch continuously on the changing situation.
- Steve provided an update from the Highway Department. A stop sign was stolen, and replaced, at the end of East Washington Road and Steve is talking with the Police Chief about placing a stop sign at the intersection of Hogg Hill, Sunset Hill and Johnson Hill.
Steve presented an agreement for signature to move forward with work on the Pleasant View Road culvert, the price remains the same as discussed and approved the previous week. The Board signed the quote. The permitting process is moving forward with Hoyle Tanner & Associates and the Board signed the permit paperwork.
Hoyle Tanner & Associates will also provide a quote to submit the permits for the Cochran Hill work. Steve asked that the Select Board office inform Horizon Engineering that the Town will not be pursuing the engineering study they had quoted.
Steve provided quotes from three vendors to purchase a box blade scraper. The Board supported the purchase and discussed whether the activity would require a purchase order. Due to the cost of the individual line item it would not fall within the current PO requirement.
Steve shared a Road Bond recommendation that Laurie Colburn had put together as well as a copy of the current Warner policy. This will be discussed at the next meeting after the Board has been able to review the recommendations.
Steve noted that a pending driveway permit request for Map 1/Lot 4-1, which is pending a visual inspection by the Highway Department. Steve asked that the permit not be released until he had an opportunity to review the location which is scheduled for March 17th, 2020.
- The Board did a brief recap of the results of Town Meeting. Jason did outline a request to start moving forward with the Town Maintenance oversight position. This will be added to the next agenda.
- Karen asked the Board how they would like to move forward with any increases. Jason felt that the Department Heads should manage this, a 2% assumption was built into the General Budget plan which was approved.
- The Board discussed the advertisement of the Town Administrator position.
- A $75 donation was received for the Bradford Scholarship Fund.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to accept the $75 donation for the Scholarship Fund.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
- Marlene asked about a quote received for painting the Town Hall. Michael had received the quote and forwarded it on to the Board. Work on the Town Hall will be discussed at a future meeting.
Public Input:
- Brooks McCandlish appeared to express a concern about a statement in the Town Report that reads: “The team (referring to the team conducting the interviews) had not completed final interviews before the Fire Department decided to vote in their new Chief, halting the hiring process.” Brooks feels this statement misrepresents what happened and that the Fire Department had no part in halting the hiring process. He stated the Department was notified in August that the Selectmen were not happy with any of the candidates presented. The Fire Department appointed a new Chief in September as Mark Goldberg had retired and the Department needed a Chief. He feels there was good consultation with the Department through July but that collaboration ended last July. He believes that the Board is required to consult with the Department per the 2019 Warrant Article Twenty-Two wording, suggested by the Fire Department, during the 2019 Town Meeting. Jason outlined having a discussion with legal counsel as many of the conversations had been held in private session and will provide a follow up. Brooks expressed a concern that, with the dependency on a volunteer Department, it is important that the Select Board consult with the Department prior to making any decisions to maintain morale.
- Jim Lord requested an update on putting Cemetery work out to bid for 2020. It is expected to come out over the next week. He also stated that there would be no water available at Sunny Plains as a result of additional repairs being needed. Marlene responded that a cost estimate would need to be identified and would then go to the Select Board for review and approval. The Cemetery Commission will discuss this when the Commission meets again.
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91:A3II (a) at 7:42pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to return to public session at 7:52pm
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91:A3II (a) at 7:53pm.
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Jason Allen motioned to return to public session at 9:10pm
Second: Michael James
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Michael James motioned at adjourn at 9:11pm.
Second: Jason Allen
Decision: 3-0 in favor
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on March 23rd, 2020 at 7:00pm, at the Bradford Community Center.
Minutes submitted by Laurie Colburn, Recording Secretary