Select Board — June 22, 2026

A member noted that the minutes discussed paving contracts but failed to list the specific monetary amounts spent. The board agreed that financial transparency requires including these figures.

The minutes were approved with the amendment to include contract amounts.

The event is a facilitated discussion about community building in Bradford. A $3,000 grant is available for a subsequent community response project based on ideas generated at the meeting.

The board promoted the event and discussed the potential for presenting ideas to the Planning Board.

The event takes place 'tomorrow night' (relative to the meeting date).

Allen argued that Conservation Commission meetings are not recorded or live-streamed, leading to disputes over the accuracy of minutes. He specifically contested a statement by the Town Administrator regarding his emails, arguing they were safety notifications about dogs, not threats. He requested consistent recording policies and a written response.

The board chairman acknowledged the comments would be included in the minutes but defended his own interpretation of the email as a threat.

The board was asked to provide a written response regarding actions taken.

The Commission and Ausbon Sargent discussed the benefits of a conservation easement on a 156-acre property to protect wildlife corridors and water quality. Arguments were raised regarding the impact on the tax base and whether 'current use' land affects housing availability for young people. Proponents argued that conserved land requires fewer town services like police and roads.

The board expressed general consensus in favor of the direction but deferred a formal vote to consult with legal counsel regarding the implications of an easement on town-owned land.

The Commission will work with legal counsel and potentially refine the proposal for the board.

A representative suggested that the Select Board or the Highway Foreman (Justin) should take over culvert enforcement from the Planning Board, as it is a road-related issue. There was debate over the most efficient way to word the transfer of responsibility.

No formal vote was taken; the board requested the matter be brought back after consulting the Planning Board.

a speaker will talk to the Planning Board and report back at the next meeting.

The Fire Chief presented a traffic safety plan. The board debated closing Center Road for the road race (approved) versus West Main Street. For West Main, concerns were raised about preventing residents and visitors (such as those at the church bazaar) from being trapped by a full closure. The board ultimately decided against a full closure of West Main, opting for traffic management instead.

Approved Center Road closure for the road race; declined West Main Street closure.

There was a debate regarding whether to formally close roads for a road race versus managing traffic flow. Concerns were raised about liability if runners are hit by vehicles on non-closed streets. For the parade, the board discussed managing West Main Street traffic using a lead cruiser and barricades rather than a full closure.

The board agreed to manage traffic flow for the parade as they have in previous years, utilizing a lead car and barricades to protect the lineup.

Two lifeguards were recently hired, but their background checks might not be returned before their July 6 start date. The board discussed whether they could work in the interim, noting they are highly qualified and work at the Hogan Center.

The board reached a consensus allowing the lifeguards to begin work before the background checks are processed, under the condition they be terminated if any issues arise.

Pauline Solaris has opened space in her store to sell Bradford-branded sweatshirts, t-shirts, ornaments, and upcoming saltware pottery.

The initiative is ongoing to help drive year-round sales of town products.

A board member noted that the management discussion looks identical to previous years; the response was that while numbers change, the standard language remains consistent unless an anomaly is found.

The report was reviewed and accepted.

The board had intended to address road bonding but was waiting for legal guidance. The attorney is currently too busy to provide the necessary information before the meeting.

The item was tabled until the next meeting.

The item will be revisited at the meeting on the 14th.

Research by the Central New Hampshire Commission indicated that the select board could sign the resolution to adopt the maps, and the Planning Board has a revised ordinance draft, which removes the need for a special town meeting.

The board moved to adopt the maps via signature.

The town denied an auctioneer's request to hold an open house at 95 West Road due to safety concerns regarding the dilapidated house. Discussion also touched on parking management during the auction.

The sale remains on track.

The board reviewed the list of scholarship recipients for the year.

The recipients were announced for the record: Kinsley Monnett, Sawyer Ouellette, and Liam Zalinski.