Select Board — June 22, 2026
Bradford Select Board Chair dismisses resident's challenge to official interpretation, sparking transparency concerns.
The meeting featured a heated exchange between a resident and the board chairman regarding transparency and professional conduct.
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During the June 22 Select Board meeting, a significant breakdown in communication and accountability occurred during the public comment period.
Resident Jason Allen presented a formal complaint regarding the lack of transparency in Conservation Commission meetings, specifically noting that the absence of recordings or live-streams makes it impossible to verify the accuracy of official minutes. Mr. Allen also challenged the accuracy of statements made by town officials regarding his previous communications with the town.
In response to the dispute over whether specific emails were safety notifications or threats, the Board Chairman took a stance that should concern every resident: "That is my interpretation and you cannot disagree with my interpretation because I'm the one that's making it."
When town officials claim their personal interpretation of events is beyond disagreement, it undermines the principle of objective accountability. Residents rely on officials to be accurate and transparent, not to rely on personal authority to settle disputes over the record. We will continue to monitor how the Board responds to the request for a written reply regarding these transparency concerns.
Public impact
Changes to flood insurance rates and local flood ordinances
The board moved to adopt the maps via signature.
Potential long-term changes to 156 acres of town land and future tax implications
The board 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.
Topics discussed
The Board reviewed the previous meeting minutes, adding specific details regarding paving contract amounts.
The minutes were approved with the amendment to include contract amounts.
An upcoming community discussion event hosted by New Hampshire Humanities was announced, featuring CPR and AED demonstrations.
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).
Resident Jason Allen presented a formal complaint regarding lack of transparency in Conservation Commission meetings and inaccurate statements made by town officials.
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 Conservation Commission presented a proposal to place an easement on a town-owned property to protect wetlands and farmland.
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.
The board discussed transferring responsibility for culvert enforcement from the Planning Board to the Select Board or Highway Department.
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 board reviewed and voted on various road closures for the Independence Day celebration and associated road race.
Approved Center Road closure for the road race; declined West Main Street closure.
The board discussed traffic management and liability concerns for upcoming road races and the parade.
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.
The board reviewed the hiring of a swim instructor and two lifeguards, including a discussion on background check timelines.
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.
An update was provided on a new partnership to sell town-branded merchandise in a local shop.
The initiative is ongoing to help drive year-round sales of town products.
The board reviewed the management discussion and analysis portion of the auditor's report.
The report was reviewed and accepted.
A discussion regarding road bonding was postponed due to the town attorney's availability.
The item was tabled until the next meeting.
The item will be revisited at the meeting on the 14th.
The board discussed adopting new FEMA flood insurance rate maps and revising the flood ordinance.
The board moved to adopt the maps via signature.
An update on the auction and sale of town-owned property, specifically 95 West Road.
The sale remains on track.
The board reviewed the 2026 scholarship awards.
The recipients were announced for the record: Kinsley Monnett, Sawyer Ouellette, and Liam Zalinski.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Accountability and Transparency Complaint
Conservation Easement on Town Property
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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