Select Board Meeting Recap: Police and Highway Updates, Town Hall Renovations, and Future Community Center Plans

The Select Board Meeting took place on April 8, 2024, chaired by Beth Downs, with Marlene Freyler and Chip Meany also present. The minutes from the previous meeting on March 25, 2024, were reviewed and accepted. Updates from the Police and Highway Departments were also provided.

Ed Shaughnessy from the Police Department reported over 1000 incidents for the year, a 37% increase in motor vehicle stops from 2023. The department is using 78% of its 2024 budget and members are undergoing training. A new cruiser, Durango, is expected in 4-5 months. The current Tahoe cruiser needs repair. The department's radar is checked weekly.

Steve Hall from the Highway Department presented three bids for paving West Road and Fairgrounds, ranging from $378,000 to $386,000. The lowest bid was $53,000 more than the approved budget. The Board agreed to cover the extra cost with additional funds received in 2023 and leftover funds from 2019.

The Board approved an additional $1,000 from the sale of a truck body. There was no public input during the meeting. The Board reviewed and signed the Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest.

The Town Hall update was discussed, with the final items for a Certificate of Occupancy nearing completion. The Board had previously approved the replacement of the first floor ceiling in July 2023, funded by leftover funds from 2020. The final cost was $16,213, more than the expected $11,000. The Board agreed to use leftover funds from 2020 to cover the extra cost.

The Board reviewed the First Quarter Revenue report and found expenses were within the budget. The Board's 2024 goals were revisited, focusing on the future use of the Bradford Area Community Center and the Town Hall's upstairs. Other goals include updating the personnel handbook, improving financial policies, and increasing transparency. The meeting ended with a discussion on a Cemetery Maintenance Proposal, to be further discussed with the Cemetery Commission.

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