Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Thursday – October 14, 2004 – 5:45 pm
Present: Selectmen - Chairman, William Brooks; Selectman; George Rainier; Selectman; Conrad B. Dumas
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 pm
Administrative Assistant, Deb Davidson taking minutes
Department Heads:
7:00 – Al Burtt, Trustee of Trust Funds –
· Budget - Mr. Burtt presented their proposed 2005 budget. There were no significant changes to the budget.
· Greenvale Cemetery Stonewall -Selectman Rainier asked what the status of the stonewall repair is? Burtt replied by stating they are going to caulk it for the winter.
· Custodian - Rainier asked about the issue of the custodian? Mr. Brissette has agreed that he will be the grave digger for a bit longer, maps will be updated on the computer before snow flies. Discussion has taken place that Duffy Fox may agree to be the custodian of the cemetery in the future.
· Removal of Tree at Greenvale Cemetery - The Highway crew will be taking the tree down in the cooler weather.
· McCanna Fund – Burtt presented Chairman Brooks a check for $345.69 for the interest of the McCanna fund. This money is to be used to offset the taxes for a family that could appreciate the money; it is not yet determined who will be awarded the funds.
· School Attendance – Burtt discussed the average daily attendance of the school. He also provided the Selectmen with an attendance list, which needs changes as there are errors on the attendance sheet. The school stated in a letter that they provided the town with a copy of this sheet on October 1. Deb indicated that to date the Town Office has not received the attendance list.
Appointments:
6:00 – Nell Conkright –
· Vermont Yankee – Ms. Conkright wanted to discuss the impact this could have on our Community and discuss the Selectmen’s stand on the issue – Conkright has been involved with the New England Cooalition of Nuclear Pollution – she discussed various concerns that have happened recently, as well as the design to upgrade the plant by 20% over the current status. The nuclear plants are trying to increase output nationwide. Since we are located within the radius of the potential downwind contamination, does the town have an evacuation plan for the town. The Town of Greenfield is within the 40 mile radius of this nuclear
plant.
Selectman Dumas discussed the evacuation plan, he was not aware of any plan within the town itself. However, he is aware of the fact that hospitals, schools etc. do have plans.
Conkright presented several newspaper articles with regard to Vermont Yankee. The missing fuel rods and the accident that recently happened. She also asked the Selectmen to support independent safety assessment.
The Town of Greenfield does have an emergency management plan, dated 1994. The written plan was provided to the Selectmen for review.
Selectman Brooks stated he was in favor of the Greenfield Selectmen writing a letter, before the upgrade is implemented, asking for an assessment of the plant to assure the viability of the plant in the event that the power upgrade is approved. Selectmen agree to write a letter to the england cooalition of nuclear pollution expressing their concerns.
Discussion continued
Selectmen thanked Ms. Conkright for addressing her concerns.
6:30 – Marlene Paulson, Sue Vaillencourt –.
· Gun Control – Ms. Paulson stated that she knew fish and game rules are what the Town of Greenfield uses the States regulations for the distance of 350’ of what someone shooting needs to be from a residence – Mrs. Paulson would like to have the laws changed to 1000’. Over the weekend there were neighbors shooting across the street from Mrs. Paulson’s house, she asked them to stop and they stated they would not.
Lengthy discussion followed.
Selectmen discussed this with her, they discussed some of the hunting rules. Selectmen encouraged Mrs. Paulson to discuss this with Chief Giammarino and/or the Fish & Game. State Reps seem to be the best option at this point. It was suggested they also meet with the Planning Board to determine if the nuisance ordinance should be reviewed and possibly rewritten.
6:45 – Conservation Commission Member, Ray Cilley –
· Town Property – Mr. Cilley met with Selectmen to discuss the property the Town was given by William Fletcher in 2000 – The Conservation Commission had discussed identifying all Town Conservation property. With regards to the property located on the corner of Holden Road and Forest Road, Mr. Cilley is asking if the Board of Selectmen still would like those properties identified. The signs will be created this winter, brush was cleared to allow for visibility. Signs will be similar to those near the boat ramp.
Saturday the project was started, the ConCom was clearing the area, they were approached by the abutter Mrs. Shepard, who indicated that she owned the property, not the town.
Mr. Cilley has stated he will review the file, try to calculate the actual acreage that is being discussed. He can contact Dennis McKenney to discuss, Mr. Cilley will report back to the board what he determines.
On – going matters:
Recycling Bay – Recycling Bay update – No update
Other Business:
Minutes - Selectmen accepted the minutes of October 7, 2004, Selectmen’s Meeting as written.
Molly Anfuso asked that the minutes of September 30th be amended to reflect the vendors at the Flea Market did well, not the recreation department itself.
Selectmen Approval –
· P/R, A/P & Invoices
· Letters – Richard Delay – Invoice to UEI
Mr. & Mrs. LeBlanc – A letter reiterating what was discussed at the 10/7/04 Selectmen’s Meeting
Mail – Review misc. incoming mail –
Budget/Personnel Policies –
· Approve updated personnel policies; Selectmen did not approve the policies at this time. Deb discussed if she was to offer Parks & Rec. Director, Molly Anfuso benefits, she has been working over 30 hours/week. The Town’s Personnel Policies states she is eligible, if not Selectmen must make it clear to her she cannot work more than 25 hours. Personnel Policies reflect Federal Labor Laws which must be addressed. We did not budget for the benefits in the 2004 budget, if she is going to continue to work the increased hours the budget needs to reflect the increase.
· Auditing figures – See letter from John Lyford and advise
· Salary Raises – As Deb was instructed to do salaries were entered into budgets at 3% - not the 6-7% as was submitted by Dept. Heads. Discussion followed. Selectmen would like to have three years of budget comparisons (3%), then hand write in what the differences are to provide the Selectmen variables.
Copier – Catherine explained the amount we will save in consumables if we replace the current copier. She used property cards as an example; we would be able to print directly to the copier from networked computers. Lease is $231.00/month for five years.
Action: Selectman Dumas motioned to enter into a lease purchase agreement with Konica/Minolta for the purpose of purchasing a new copier. Seconded by Selectman Brooks. Discussion followed: Voted: Dumas, Yes; Brooks, Yes; Rainier, Yes. Affirmatively voted
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm. The next scheduled Selectmen’s Meeting is Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 5:45 pm. Chairman Brooks is not going be in attendance.
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