Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Thursday – October 25, 2007 – 6:00 pm
Present: Chairman, Aaron Kullgren; Selectwoman: Karen Day; Selectman: Jarvis Adams, IV
Debra Davidson, Administrative Assistant taking minutes
Selectman Kullgren called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm
Appointments:
6:00 –Resident, Andrea Gilbert – Ms. Gilbert discussed her concerns for the need of additional 25 mph signs on Old Bennington Road. Gilbert went on to discussed her reasons for this request are being the road is a very long road with only two signs on the road, one at each end. There is an increase in people walking on the road, biking, horses etc.; Gilbert stated that no one seems to drive 25 mph. Whereas there is a sign at intersection of County Road & another one on either side of Old Bennington Road, if there could be another slow children sign or 25 mph midway it might help to slow people down.
Selectman Adams asked if she had spoken to the Road Agent, Duffy Fox.
Gilbert said yes, she had spoken to Mr. Fox but she was instructed to speak to Selectmen first. She commented she has also spoken with Chief Giammarino about this concern. Gilbert went on to say that there definitely is certain times of the day that are more traveled than others, but folks definitely drive too fast on the road.
Kullgren said he has personally not had a problem with traffic; he walks into the road to make vehicles slow down.
Kullgren went on the procedure is for the Board of Selectmen to have a conversation with Fox & then discuss this concern with Giammarino, they will report back to Gilbert within a week or two.
7:15 – Maryanne Grant – Mrs. Grant asked to discuss the welcome baskets the GIVers provide to new residents. The GIVers would like to receive a welcome letter from the BOS to include in the baskets. The baskets will be sent out next Tuesday – Deb will draft a letter for Selectmen to sign.
7:30 - Brian Wakeman – Mr. Wakeman provided a list of responsibilities the charge person at the recycle center should be aware of. He also provided a copy of his level 3 solid waste operator certification. Wakeman discussed the State requirement for a Level 3 solid waste operator to be in charge of the facility, he went on to say that currently there is no one.
Deb discussed with the Board of the conversation she had with David Degler of the DES regarding hazardous waste day. The Town of Greenfield had opportunities throughout the year to deposit their hazardous waste in Keene, the residents were not aware of this, therefore this weekend (October 26) is the last chance. It has not been advertised. Also, the certified operator can have a deposit for town residents and transport the household hazardous waste if taking it to a hazardous waste day facility without having to have the hazardous waste transport license.
Neal Brown commented that the Recycle Committee had determined that going to Keene for Hazardous Waste Day was the most prudent decision for the town, there may be a few people inconvenienced but overall the committee felt this was the best option.
Discussion followed regarding the fact the permitting must be filled out by Level 3 Operator; also the Level 3 Operator must be available for answering any questions resulting of inspections by the DES.
Wakeman stated there are other responsibilities but those are the most important.
Wakeman stated that the Town currently is not in compliance with DES requirements in the following area:
Universal wastes; recycle storage and stockpiles; and the oil storage is only in partial compliance
Wakeman discussed that the current office is not in a very good location, and the space could be used as a separate place for the universal wastes. Recyclables in storage must also be addressed; Wakeman indicated this position requires more than 20 hours to be efficient.
The waste oil is only partly in compliance; Wakeman recommended to use the first bay at the end of the building for oil storage as it has an impermeable surface and would allow for storage to be covered.
Resident, Peter Graesser asked to go back to hazardous waste day – he commented that he does not believe there is a sight in the State of NH that does not have specific dates, the centers are not open ended. He also believes that a level 4 provider needs to be present.
Wakeman stated that he thinks it is the responsibility of the person at the center to advertise hazardous waste day.
Kullgren asked about the hours at the center again, Kullgren reiterated that when Mr. Wakeman was hired he was hired as a part-time employee to be there during open hours. Knowing he had his own business the Board did not want to have him sacrifice his own business, however they did want to keep the residents of Greenfield happy. The Board wanted to educate Wakeman and allow him the opportunity to obtain the proper licensure.
Kullgren asked what assistance has the highway crew contributed.
Wakeman said the highway guys have asked if he needed any help, but with the help of the volunteers he hasn’t needed the highway crew yet. Wakeman said he would be willing to take on the position as the responsible full-time person, he know knows the position and is willing to take on the responsibility.
Kullgren stated that back to his original comment – knowing Wakeman has a business; is he able to fill the position in a full-time capacity.
Wakeman stated if the town wants the position to be full-time, he would adjust his schedule accordingly.
Budget Committee Chair, Bruce Dodge asked if the highway crew would be filling in on their off time or during the DPW scheduled time.
Kullgren said on their off time, it would not interfere with DPW schedule
Discussion followed regarding having to pay overtime wages if that is the scenario.
Adams asked how many hours does it truly take to run the recycle center.
Wakeman responded by saying it takes about 50 hours/week.
Neal Brown asked what are the qualifications for operating the baler.
Brian said when he was at the center he did not let anyone use the baler that was not certified. The key used to be left in the compactor is no longer left in the compactor for obvious reasons.
Adams stated that he thinks the board has its work cut out for them, and they are not yet ready to make a decision.
Selectwoman Day asked if they could bale during open hours
Wakeman indicated it is very difficult to do that you need to help people so you can’t be baling.
Resident, Jamie Bascom said that since Brian has been at the recycle center, the center is neater, the help is more helpful and she thinks it is great to have him up there. She is in full support of his employment.
More discussion followed, no decision made at this time.
Kullgren made the motion to allow Brian Wakeman assume a 40-hour workweek until a decision is made otherwise. Seconded by Day & Adams.
Discussion followed regarding a timetable to get back to Brian after the Board discusses how they will handle the position. Wakeman was encouraged to use the recycle committee if possible, and to also e-mail the Selectmen with his recommendations for improvements to the center.
Bruce Dodge asked if the DPW could use one of their men to help Brian out during the crunch
Lee LeBlanc asked if pay was a problem
Kullgren said no and explained the situation
No further discussion – the motion on the floor was voted: all in favor: Motion carries 3-0
8:30 – Planning Board Chair, Dario Carrara – zoning ordinance interpretation – Chairman Carrara stated that last year the ZBA made a decision for a specific case regarding open space development; another case is before the Planning Board this year regarding open space development. The wording “suitable” is the question before the Planning Board, specifically what does “suitable” mean. An application that has already been approved is questioning what suitable is. The word was not defined; the ZBA made a decision but still did not define the word “suitable”. The Planning Board has discussed this and there was a motion by Chairman Carrara to define the word suitable. The definition will be whatever the State defines “suitable” to be.
Carrara states basically it comes down to “is it acceptable for a septic system to be installed”. Carrara stated that he would like to discuss this with a Local Government Center attorney, and if necessary he would like permission to contact town counsel.
Kullgren stated that as Chairman of the Planning Board he needs to have access to counsel.
Carrara briefly explained the ordinance and the formula for the net developable area (NDA) of property - they are looking for directive from Board of Selectmen.
Kullgren encouraged Carrara to contact the Local Government Center and to further gather information from communities near the coast that have dealt with this type of development. Kullgren further stated the Planning Board should also get together with zoning board and figure it out.
Budgets:
6:15 – Police, Brian Giammarino– to discuss the 2008 proposed budget – Giammarino stated there are no warrant articles to be submitted in 2008 – both vehicles are in great shape, car #1 may last two more years.
Wages - Only possible changes are payroll upon reviews – he would like to give a 3% increase for his men & he respectfully requests the same for himself.
Vehicle Gas – This is the only unforeseeable line item;
Vehicle Maintenance - This increase due to the cars being a little older, the small amount of maintenance is better than a payment.
Radios - Radios are still new and in good condition. Giammarino said he doesn’t need to replace them.
Everything else remains flat.
Kullgren had a couple quick questions –
· Equipment for $1,000 – Kullgren wanted to know what equipment was being purchased, as personal equipment has its own line and office equipment goes under general supplies. This line has not been used for two years. Giammarino recommended removing the line item.
· Personal equipment hasn’t been used to date; Kullgren asked what is going to be purchased. Giammarino explained by saying that line item covers all officer equipment. It is very expensive to outfit an officer. Kullgren wanted to know why it hasn’t been used in 2007 – Giammarino said that two items are important to an officer their salary & their equipment, if his officers aren’t in need of anything he does not spend it. To outfit a new officer it could cost as much as $1,900.00. Although, he doesn’t want to be penalized if he doesn’t spend it, he feels strongly it is needed and if necessary he purchases new
equipment.
Mutual Aid - Mutual aid will remain the same
Education – Ammo & training comes out of this line item, this will be used if training is available. All officers need to take courses twice a year for qualifications.
Selectmen thanked Giammarino for coming in on his scheduled day off.
6:30 – Parks & Rec., Molly Anfuso - to discuss the 2008 proposed budget –Anfuso explained revenues would be transferred by year-end. Her overall budget is down due to activities budget dropping, and Oak Park Maintenance is removed.
Telephone - Telephone should remain the same $1300.00 includes two fire alarm systems
Groundskeeping – The request for services for groundskeeping has been put out to bid. The bids are scheduled to be opened at 6:00pm on November 6, 2007, by the Selectmen. The dollar figure for that line item is tentative on what the bids come in at. Deb asked about utilizing the county inmates for spring, fall and any other work that they could use. This would save money; all the towns’ obligation would be is to provide a lunch and beverages to the inmates.
Molly explained there have been little expenses because the revolving account funds have not yet been transferred.
Molly said she pays for lifeguards; all the swimming funds have gone into the revolving revenue account. Deb explained that upon some research the treasurer has noted via memo, that a revolving committee needs to be established and funds could only be transferred/expended with the authorization of this committee, the Selectboard and the Treasurer.
Molly discussed the relationship between the Oak Park Committee and the Parks & Rec. Department. Discussion on funds being raised by the Oak Park Committee and the Town assuming the responsibility ensued. Molly would like to see the committee become melded with Parks & Recreation, she would like to know if the funds could be combined into one account? Deb will get this answer and get back to Molly as soon as possible.
Neal Brown asked whom the Oak Park Committee reports to? Deb responded that they report to the Selectboard
Budget Committee Chairman, Dodge asked about Parks & Recreation breaking out the two departments – he would like to see it be broken out financially as to what is parks & what is recreation. It would be easier to understand if recreation were separate?
Molly responded that she doesn’t understand why people are confused “groundskeeping is groundskeeping”.
Kullgren said he thinks the two can be just broken down in clearer format allowing voters to better understand the funding of the two departments.
Discussion followed –
No decisions regarding splitting the budgets were made at this time. Kullgren indicated the board would discuss this and then meet with Molly again before any changes are implemented.
7:36 Town Clerk, Dee Sleeper - to discuss the 2008 proposed budget – It was noted revenues for 2007 are slightly down, yet the year is not over, Dee thinks the revenues will be right on target.
Kullgren would like to have all the income discussed and accounted for as soon as she can provide a report for the Board; it shows there is some income not yet recorded.
Dee explained the 2008 budget will be higher because of the need for 4 elections; we also need new election booths, the budget at the moment does not include the new voting booths – we need 10 booths, and a handicapped booth, the cost will be approximately $2,500.00. Another more in-expense option may be cardboard screens, Dee will look into this.
Deb was instructed to contact some neighboring towns and see what they have done.
Dee explained the wages would increase for the supervisors, as they will be having an increase in hours as well as a reasonable increase in hourly wage. Deputy wages will be increasing due to the increase hours and an increase in wage as well.
Computer equipment has increased slightly as there is a need to purchase two new printers, they will be able to be multi-utilized for the elections.
There were no questions for Dee; Kullgren thanked her for her time.
Bruce Dodge reported that the Supervisors of Checklist have been working on weekends - the new system does have some glitches and they are working it out.
Kullgren said that it is nice to have good people working together as a team.
Award Assessing Services
After review of the Assessing bids, there was a motion by Selectman Kullgren to continue to utilize Avitar Associates of NE, LLC for the remaining data verification, statistical update, and general assessing services. Seconded by Selectwoman Day.
Kullgren asked for any comment by the audience – Bruce Dodge commented that he has heard the new assessor is much more user friendly than the past assessor.
No further discussion the motion was voted: Unanimously 3-0 to remain using Avitar Associates for assessing services.
Other Business:
Class A Trails - Selectwoman Day asked Deb to check if the GTA would be submitting any warrants to change class VI Roads into Class A trails in 2008 – The answer is no
Permits for raffles – Crotched Mountain will be holding a raffle – Deb is looking into the statute for raffles, the town will need to provide them with a permit.
Driveway approvals – According to LGC Staff Attorney, Paul Sanderson, Duffy & Peter need to work out any logistics and/or policy that may need to be implemented. The Planning Board has appointed them both as their representative, therefore until that vote is changed it is in the jurisdiction of the Code Officer & Road Agent to inspect driveways.
Evaluations – First evaluation will be 10/30/07 at 6:30 pm.
NH The Beautiful – Deb reported to the Selectboard the $4,000 grant for the loading dock was received this past week
A/P manifest
Warrant for the tax rate – Selectboard signed the new warrant – the tax rate increased $.80
Road Bonding – Deb reported on her phone conversation with Bond Bank, TDBanknorth and her meeting with the Treasurer and Ocean National Government Banking VP. The Town of Greenfield is not in a good financial position to be bonding such a large amount of finances. There has been no feasibility study completed to determine the amount necessary to bond to complete road reconstruction. Selectboard would like Deb to obtain a letter from the banks regarding the financial standing of the town. Deb mentioned we do have a new audit report; the document clearly spells out the financial standing of the Town of Greenfield.
With no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm, the next Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30 at 5:45 pm
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