Select Board meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.
Roll Call: Marlene Freyler, Chair; Beth Downs; Chip Meany
Also attending Maureen Brandon, Interim Town Administrator; Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Marlene announced that Maureen Brandon has been appointed Interim Town Administrator until a new Town Administrator is hired. Maureen’s compensation will not impact the budget.
Review Minutes of June 9, 2025
Motion: Beth moved to approve the June 9, 2025 minutes as written.
Second: Chip
Decision: 3-0 all in favor
Appearances:
Erica Gross – Town Clerk/Tax Collector:
Unlicensed dogs: Erica reported there are 84 unlicensed dogs and many unvaccinated dogs. Erica prepared notices of civil forfeiture for dog owners.
Motion: Beth made a motion to give permission to send civil forfeiture notices to the police to deliver per NH RSA
Second: Chip
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Prepared notices were handed to a Bradford PD officer in attendance.
Deed waivers: Four deed waivers were signed by the Board.
Tax liens: On July 9 Erica will be sending liens notices to owners with unpaid property taxes. She is hoping to receive some of over $100,000 owed.
Devin Pendleton – Swimming Lessons, July 4th: Parks and Rec.
Swimming Instructors: Devin asked for approval to hire a swim instructor and life guard for swimming lessons to take place in July at Frensh’s Park.
Motion: Beth made a motion to approve candidates for swim instructor and lifeguard.
Second: Chip
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Park attendant: The Board approved hiring an attendant for French’s Park.
Unstickered cars parked at French’s Park: The current fine is $15 for parking without a sticker. Devin and the Board discussed raising the fine to $50 deter illegal parking.
June 28th celebration: All is set for the June 28th celebration. Hoping for good weather.
Doug Southard – Conservation Commission: Doug asked if the Board would be interested in a presentation made by the Conservation Commission about condition of Bradford’s Class VI roads. The Board agreed to the presentation. Dough will coordinate the date with Maureen
Beth Downs – NH Preservation Alliance Award: On June 11, 2025, the Town of Bradford received a Preservation Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance for the rehabilitation of the Bradford Town Hall. The Town and its partners in construction, Trumbull-Nelson Construction, Barrett Architecture, PC, Bruss Project Management, Land & Community Heritage Investment Program and Rural Heritage Connection, were commended for their efforts at an event held at the Tilton School.
Public Input: Kathleen Bigford, 349 West Road, Bradford: Poverty Plains Solar Project: Kathleen appeared to request the Boards approval of Bradford’s membership in the Poverty Plains Solar project. This is a collaborative project structured as a Group Net Metering project. Encore Renewable Energy will serve as the investor, and the Community Power Coalition of NH will manage the subscriber side—handling billing, credits, and reporting.
Municipal accounts that use at least 6,500 kilowatt-hours per year can subscribe and receive bill credits at a rate equal to 12.5% off Eversource’s default service rate—that’s currently 1.12 cents per kWh.
The Town can still choose where it buys electricity and can opt out of the program with one year’s notice.
Based on Bradford’s estimated annual usage at the going Eversource default rate, the town could receive about $1,000 per year.
The Energy Committee is fully in support of this opportunity, and sees no downside. The solar array is expected to go online by next summer.
Previously, Chip had asked if the Coalition sold Renewable Energy Credits. The answer is that the Coalition does not sell the credits. They are used to support Coalition’s Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations and the voluntary levels of clean energy offered to customers.
Motion: Beth made a motion to approve Bradford’s membership in the Poverty Plains Solar project.
Second: Chip
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Kathleen will prepare the membership forms for signature by Marlene.
Class VI Roads: Marlene announced that there will not be a discussion of Class VI roads as there are no changes being made. As rumored the Class VI roads will not be closed. Two people from the audience appeared for clarification of the topic. Chip said the Board discussion will be about building on Class VI roads.
Regular and Old Business:
Administrator Search Update: Marlene reported that the committee has had one meeting. The next meeting will take place on July 7.
BACC Update: The dishwasher drain will be upgraded. Water damage to lighting has been repaired. Marlene is hoping that a date can be set for the public to view the BACC in mid-July. The new security system needs codes.
Masonic Building Demo update: Sampling for asbestos has been completed by United with the result that no asbestos was found in the roofing or floor tiles. Demolition is scheduled for July 7.
Fuel Bid Update: Maureen reported that she has been in contact with two vendors with increased prices over last year. The Board agreed to wait to lock in a contract. Maureen will get numbers and report the board. Chip asked if the same rate could be available to employees. The Board approved permission for Maureen to lock in the fuel rate. There is uncertainty about municipal pricing for municipal employees.
New Business:
Sign Credits and Exemptions (7) signed
Sign Abatement Form Map 19 Lot 15 signed
Sign Intent to Cut Map 10 Lot 20 signed
Accept Unanticipated Revenue
Motion: Beth moved that the Board accept $576.00 in unanticipated revenue per RSA 39:95-b from the restitution payment for the fire at the Masonic Building
Second: Chip
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature; Signed previously.
Adjourn
Motion: Beth Moved to adjourn the meeting.
Second: Chip
Decision: 3-0, all in favor
Meeting adjourned at 6:37 pm
Upcoming meeting: July 14, 2025
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary