Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call – Andrew Pinard (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to allow Steve to make changes to the road signs.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Public Input:
None
Regular and Old Business
- The Board reviewed the minutes of the March 15th Meeting. A correction was made to note that Mel was sworn in by Melissa Cunningham, Town Clerk, just prior to the meeting.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept the minutes with changes.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
New Business:
- Chief Valiquet contacted the NH Municipal Association, Secretary of State and the Attorney Generals’ Office regarding transportation to the new town meeting location at the Middle School. After speaking to these offices, he recommends starting two busses at the Elementary School traveling to the Middle School, have one go back for late comers and then keep swapping out as needed. If only one bus is needed, the school transportation company said it would be billed differently. He said the cost will be $75/bus/hour. Karen thought they should start with an 8:00 a.m. start time. Everyone agreed. The bus can hold 24 occupants, unless there are multiple people from the same household, in which it could hold more. Brackett Scheffy suggested having people make reservations for the bus so they would know ahead of time. One bus will leave at 8:00 a.m., and the second will leave later unless there is a need for two buses leaving at 8:00 a.m. Andrew is wondering if we might be able to receive State funding due to it being a Covid related issue. Karen will look into this. Chief Valiquet said there will be a duty officer and safety officer at the Town Meeting. Karen will make sure the information regarding the bussing to the Middle School will be printed in the Bradford Bridge.
Motion: Marlene Freyler made a motion to approve entering into a contract with the Goffstown Truck Center to provide bussing to and from the Town Meeting.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- Karen reported that the TAP grant was submitted on Thursday, March 18, 2021 with a requested amount of $1.25 million.
- There was discussion on the Select Board goals for the year.
- Andrew suggested updating the Bradford website and add a Google calendar. He would also like a ‘Meet the Selectmen’ meeting to introduce themselves to the public and let the residents come in and tell their priorities and ask questions.
- Marlene would like to hold a potluck to give the community an opportunity to come together. Karen asked if Parks and Recreation wanted to help out with this event. Devin Pendleton said yes. Marlene said she would help organize as well.
- Mel would like to revisit fees for building permits. Karen said these fees may need to be approved at a Town Meeting. Mel said they can start to review these fees. Mel wants to hear what we are doing with gravel in the future. Lastly, Mel would like to create a Vision Bradford. She would like to have a 10-year plan for the Town, combining input from the Planning Board, Select Board, Conservation Commission, Economic Development Committee and various other town committees.
Ed Shaughnessy asked if we could start gathering emails of the residents so we can send out Town emails to let them know of things going on in Town. Andrew thinks it is a great idea and said he and Karen have looked into this in the past year. Andrew thinks they are off to a great start. Karen will make a document with all of the suggested goals.
- Andrew stated the Select Board will begin to meet the second and fourth Monday after April 5th. The Board will meet at 5 pm during the summer and at 6 pm the rest of the year.
- Andrew suggested selecting a date for the Meet the Selectmen event. The date chosen was April 14th.
- A Historic District Commission Representative needs to be chosen. Andrew volunteered for this annual meeting. All agreed.
- There is money in the budget for Independence Day fireworks, but there is no contract yet. Devin said they would love to move forward with the fireworks. They are planning the 5K road race, and then have the fireworks in the evening. This will take place on July 3rd. There was discussion about past fireworks not being visible. Devin said they would shoot the fireworks higher so they would be visible over the trees. She said the fireworks vendor does an in-person assessment, but due to Covid, they haven’t been allowed to come to Bradford yet. Andrew agreed that a smaller event makes sense this year. All agreed that Parks and Recreation should continue with the planning of this smaller event. Devin will reach out to obtain a contract for the fireworks.
- The Board signed a junkyard permit.
- Andrew signed a building permit.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle made a motion to approve the Select Board Chair to sign all future building permits until a building inspector is hired.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0
- The Board signed several appointments into office.
- The Board signed a Tax Anticipation Note.
- Steve distributed a note from residents on Pleasant View Road. He reported that the Highway Department is also having problems with their well.
Upcoming Meetings:
- April 5th
Motion: Marlene Freylermotioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (c) at 7:35 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to return to public session at 9:14 pm.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to adjourn to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 pm.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.