Select Board Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.
Roll Call: Marlene Freyler (Chair), Chip Meany, Beth Downs
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Marlene began the meeting saying that she had been wrongly accused of doing something illegal and quoted a legal source saying that there are no laws that regulate the authority of the Chair. She stated that procedures for making motions needed to be agreed upon by the Board with a majority vote. She would like the illegal act stricken from the minutes. She emphasized that we all need to agree to disagree. Marlene then read a Code of Conduct for the Board and audience. Her intention is to read this at each meeting.
- Code of Conduct for Board members: Board members commit to acting honestly, conscientiously, reasonably and in good faith at all times in the interest of the town and its residents. In the tradition of cooperation, Board members will strive to maintain a tone of collegiality and professionalism acknowledging that there may at times be good faith disagreements concerning the best interests of the Town.
- Rules of Order for public participation: The Board may limit public participation to the public input part of the agenda. Speakers must address the Chairperson and wait to be acknowledged. Comments about individuals will not be permitted unless deemed appropriate by the Chairperson. Comments must be respectful. Personal attacks, accusations, and disorderly conduct including profanity and disruptive gestures are prohibited. The Chairperson has the right to limit public comments.
- Public comment guidelines: On agenda items, the public is invited to request to speak on an agenda item. For non-agenda items, members may speak during public input, stating their name and topic. The Chairperson may refer the item to a future agenda, the Town Administrator, or relevant officials for further action. Once comments are made, the topic will not be discussed until the scheduled meeting. Speakers are asked to come forward and identify themselves to speak.
Review Minutes of May 19, 2025
Motion: Beth Downs moved to approve the May 19, 2025 minutes as written.
Discussion: Marlene emphasized that she did not do anything illegal in contacting town counsel and wanted the May 19 minutes to be corrected as such. Beth disagreed, saying that legal expenditures by the Board needed preapproval. Marlene said that there was no RSA that addressed the authority of the Chair and that, since there were no rules of procedure, there was no illegal action. Her intention was not to do something illegal. Beth said that there were rules of procedure that had been signed by the Board a few meetings ago. Marlene agreed. Chip said the minutes did correctly state that a motion had been made to allow Marlene to contact legal counsel in the future and he was “shouted down” and the motion was not seconded.
Motion: Beth Downs moved to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2025 meeting as written with comments.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Appearances:
Karen Hambleton: Thanked the Board and the community for coming out for the party in her honor on June 7. This is Karen’s last Select Board meeting as Town Administrator.
Hazard Mitigation – Public Information Session and Adoption of Plan:
Bryan Nowell appeared to report on the completed Hazard Mitigation Plan. He thanked all the people who were involved in the meetings and gathering of data, naming Karen, Maureen, Doug Southard, Steve Hall, Chris Frey, Walter Royal, Devin Pendleton, Stephanie Alexander from Central NH Regional Planning, and himself as Health Officer. Bryan emphasized that FEMA will not recognize grant applications without a current Hazard Mitigation Plan in place. The purpose of the plan is to guide for whoever is in place to administer it in the future for all of the hazards named in the plan. Ann Eldridge: Asked about wildfire hazard. Bryan responded that this was addressed in the plan. The recent adoption of the zoning regulation for surface water contributed to the plan as well as the revised driveway permit. Karen expressed kudos to the Town for committing to planning for hazard mitigation for 20-25 years. Bryan said review of the plan was necessary to update for new hazards. Marlene acknowledged the time and effort involved in preparing the plan.
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board adopt the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with FEMA requirements.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Jeanne Dionne/Luther Drake – Steele Road: Did not appear
Kim Firth – Affordable Bradford Team: Kim Firth appeared and summarized the first meeting of the Affordable Bradford Team. The next meeting is scheduled for June 26 at 6:30 pm. Kim requested use of the Town Hall for the meeting. Marlene emphasized that so far this group has not been recognized as an official committee. Chip said that an official committee will have more weight when making recommendations to the Board. There was discussion lead by Marlene about the availability of the Town Hall for unofficial meetings. Marlene emphasized that only town committees are authorized to use the Town Hall for meetings. Marlene said there were two town committees authorized to use the Town Hall. Kim said that the group had discussed the advantages and disadvantages of official committee status. Her sense is the group is undecided. If the group decides on official status, a mission and goals will be available for the Board at a future meeting. The Board agreed that a second meeting of the group could be held at the Town Hall. On this topic Karen recommended that there be written policies and procedures for committees using town spaces.
Motion: Chip Meany moved that there be a written policy and procedure for town committees.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Bruce Storm – Administrator Search: Has generated a procedure, scoring sheet, and committee members: Bruce, Kathleen Bigford, Steve Bravo, Carey Rodd, Steve Pierce, Pam Bruss, Tracey Quigley. Bruce responded to comments that the committee was a “power grab” saying that the sole purpose of this volunteer committee was to help the town. Nikki Dubaere thanked Bruce and the committee, and asked how the hiring process would move forward. Bruce responded that the entire process is under consideration. The consensus of the Board is for the committee begin as soon as possible to read and score all the applications, then present three to six candidates for Board and Department Heads for consideration.
Ann Eldridge – Conservation Commission: Appeared to explain that the Conservation Commission is trying to conserve Webb Field (Map 2, Lots 28 & 29). Ausbon Sargent would purchase the property and would need another entity to provide an easement. The Conservation Commission would hold the easement. This is non-binding. A grant to support this easement is in the works and is due on Friday, June 13th.
Motion: Chip Meany made a motion to support the Conservation Commission in pursuing the grant to obtain an easement.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Susan Moss – Town Hall Landscaping: Appeared to outline a plan for finishing the landscaping of the front and side of the Town Hall. Grading will take place to make an access for machinery.
Motion: Beth Downs moved to accept the landscaping plan as outlined.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Devin Pendleton – Swimming Lessons, July 4th: Would like to hire a swimming instructor
and life guard. She needs the Board’s approval to hire.
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board create the positions of Summer Swim Instructor and Summer Swim Lifeguard to ensure safety for swimming lessons at French’s Park. These will be part-time, hourly seasonal positions.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Public Input:
Bruce Gezelman asked a question about why the tax assessor appeared on his property. Karen explained that all properties are looked at every four years. Sometimes property owners will see the assessor and sometimes not.
Kathleen Bigford read a statement thanking Karen for outstanding service during more than a decade as Town Administrator.
Regular and Old Business:
Rob Shydo appeared to inform the Board about maintenance and educational services he provides. Marlene requested that information be left with the Board for future contact.
May Expense Review: Consensus of the Board is that expenses are in line.
Cemetery Maintenance Contract: Cemetery Commission will sign the contract at the next meeting.
Class VI Roads Update: The updated Class VI Road policy with town counsel’s comments have been circulated to Conservation Commission, Fire, Highway, Police, Planning and Zoning. They’ve been asked to provide any comments they might have to the Board.
BACC Update: Plumbing repair of leaking toilets has been done. Plumbing for dishwashing drainage is be supplied by CAP. Two electricians will be providing bids for generator repair. A new security system has been installed as the last one was failing.
Masonic Building Demo Update: The expected completion date is June 27. United Construction is the contractor. DES approvals have been received.
Warner Housing Development Meeting Update: A proposal for 48 units of workforce housing was not approved by the Warner Planning Board. There will be another hearing for a proposal for fewer units.
CAP Lease Update: The Board reviewed the version of the lease that had been updated by town counsel. Karen will send the lease to CAP for their review.
Complaint – 17 Forest Street Update: Owners are clearing unregistered vehicles. Other clearing will be done by the end of the July. A neighbor, Pat Ivery, appeared and was concerned about toxic leakage into the neighborhood aquifer.
Audit MDA: A “Management Discussion and Analysis” needs to be written for the audit to be completed. This is a statement from the Board about the factors they considered in creating the 2025 budget.
New Business:
Department Head Request for the Agenda: Unfinished items to stay on agenda until they are completed.
Abatement Requests: were signed for Map 2 Lot 43, Map 2 Lot 40, Map 2 Lot 49, Map 4 Lot 47, Map 5 Lot 7-16, Map 6 Lot 26, Map 6 Lot 60, Map 11 Lot 19, Map 11 Lot 25, Map 16 Lot 107, Map 17 Lot 47, Map 19 Lot 34 Map 2 Lots 43, 40, 49; Map 4 Lot 47; Map 5 Lot 7-16; Map 6 Lots 26, 60; Map 11 Lots 19, 25; Map 16 Lot 107; Map 17 Lot 47; Map 19 Lot 34.
Accept Unanticipated Revenue:
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $700 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 31:95-b representing six donations to the Bradford Scholarship Expendable Trust Fund.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board accept $28,068.37 from Primex which represents the insurance payment for the repair of the Town Hall roof caused by wind damage.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature: Signed previously.
Adjourn
Motion: Beth Downs moved to adjourn the meeting.
Second: Chip Meany
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm
Upcoming meeting: June 23, 2025
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary