Select Board Meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm.
Roll Call: Marlene Freyler (Chair), Chip Meany, Beth Downs
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Review Minutes of April 28, 2025
Motion: Beth Downs made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 28, 2025 meeting as written.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Appearances:
Kim Firth – Affordable Tomorrow Team, Kim appeared to give some background about the Affordable Tomorrow Team. She explained that the Team would function in an advisory spirit with the Select Board. The goals of the group are to get people engaged, to have a better understanding of the processes that keep the Town moving during this time of unprecedented challenges. Chip: Asked Kim to return with a mission statement for the Team and asked that there be diversity in the membership; people that are not already serving on Town committees or boards. Kim agreed that new voices are important. Communication between the group and Department heads will be handled through Chip.
Bruce Storm – Administrator Search. Bruce appeared regarding his May 3, 2025 letter in which he volunteered to lead a search committee in an advisory role with the Select Board, helping with the administrative tasks involved with the search. The job has been posted with the NH Municipal Association and InterTown Record and will continue being posted until the job is filled. Bruce emphasized that the search needs to be above board, transparent, accepting as many applications as possible. Bruce agreed with Marlene and Beth that a cross-section of individuals should be members of the committee. Erica Gross confirmed Bruce to lead the committee. Karen asked about the hiring process. Bruce said he would return on May 19th with a proposed structure. Bryan Nowell asked about a job description. Karen replied that the job description used in the recent evaluation could be used.
Marlene announced that there will be a reception for Karen on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Town Hall 10 am – 12 pm.
Public Input: None
Regular and Old Business:
April Expense Review: Karen highlighted the Planning Board budget, Building Inspector, Community Center as accounts that are quickly approaching or are over budget. Sense of the Board is that all else is in good shape.
Highway truck bid: The old highway truck that has been replaced has received a bid of $5800 on Municibid (an online auction service for government agencies, schools and municipalities).
Motion: Beth Downs made a motion to accept a bid of $5800 or higher for the highway truck on Municibid.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Class VI Roads: The Board reviewed comments received from Town Counsel regarding Bradford’s regulations for Class VI Roads. The Board discussed the regulations about bringing Class VI to Class V standards. Chip requested that the regulations clarify when construction on a pre-existing nonconforming lot is allowed.
Leases – Freyler’s Driving School, Community Action Program. For the Community Action Program, Karen presented a two-month lease that is the same as the previous one to be in effect until July 31, 2025. The current rent is $775/month. She also presented a 12-month lease to be in effect from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. Karen will ask counsel to review the 1-year lease to help define “preventive maintenance” language. Based on the building’s expenses and fair market value for the square footage used by CAP, the new rent would be $983/month. Karen will talk with the CAP director about this new rate. Heather may be invited to the next Select Board meeting if necessary. The rent for Freyler driving school remains the same.
BACC Update: Approval of expenses: Recent invoices for repairs and maintenance at the BACC were approved and signed by Chip.
Masonic Building Demo Bids:
David Flannagan of Breezy Hill Road, Bradford, requested permission to remove fixtures, flooring, and woodwork from the Masonic Building. With the stipulation that the Board receive a certificate of insurance, the Board granted permission to remove the material requested.
Demolition Bids: The Board reviewed three bids for demolition of the Masonic Building.
Motion: Chip Meany made a motion to accept the bid from United to demolish the Masonic Building for $51,000 with addition of approximately $2K for fencing, at total of $53,000.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Chip directed Karen to finalize a contract with United. During the discussion, Chip directed Karen that if United could not supply a fence, the bid would go to the next bidder at $60,000.
New Business:
Warner Housing Development: In response to a public hearing concerning work force housing in Warner, Marlene will represent Select Board at the hearing in Warner on May 14 to voice Bradford’s concerns about the regional impact of the project.
Warner Inquiry About Cell Tower: Marlene will draft a letter of response to an inquiry about the regional cell service.
Complaint – 17 Forest Street. Map 7, Lot 52. Unregistered cars. The Board agreed that the Code Enforcement Officer be given this complaint for inspection.
Fuel Bid Update: Bids are lower than last year. Karen recommended waiting a little longer before committing. The Board agreed.
Zoning Board Fee Update:
Motion: Chip Meany made a motion to accept the proposed increase of application fees to $100 for variance, special exception, and appeal applications.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Karen presented three properties which should not have received tax bills in 2024 but did.
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board direct the Tax Collector to abate the 2024 taxes on Map 1 Lot 42 and apply the amount of $109.51 paid for the 2024 taxes as a credit to the 2025 first half tax bill.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board direct the Tax Collector to abate the 2024 taxes on Map 7 Lot 43 and apply the amount of $1,346.00 paid for the 2024 taxes as a credit to the 2025 first half tax bill.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board direct the Tax Collector to abate the 2024 taxes on Map 9 Lot 52.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $800.00 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 31:95-b representing four donations for the Bradford Scholarship Fund.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
The following have been signed:
Select Board Rules of Procedure
Intent to Cut Map 4 Lot 15
Driveway Permit Map 6 Lot 26
Personnel Action Form
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature
Adjourn:
Motion: Beth Downs made a motion to adjourn the meeting
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm
Upcoming meeting: May 19, 2025
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary