Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Thursday – February 7, 2008 – 6:00 pm
Present: Chairman: Aaron Kullgren; Selectwoman: Karen Day; Selectman: Jarvis Adams, IV
Chairman Kullgren called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Appointments:
6:00 – Dodge Road Informational Meeting
Selectman Kullgren called the Dodge Road Informational Meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Chairman Kullgren spoke to Road Agent, Fox and would like to have a meeting with Duffy & Fire Chief, James Plourde to discuss pros & con’s of the road being open and/or closed.
Kullgren adjourned the meeting at 6:50, at which time a 10-minute break was taken.
Kullgren reconvened the Selectmen’s Meeting at 7:00 pm.
7:00 - Library Trustee, Maryanne Grant – Maryanne Grant requested the library personnel evaluations she had provided the Board of Selectmen be returned to her, she further stated that they technically should never have left the library. Chairman Kullgren returned the evaluations to Mrs. Grant.
Maryanne made note that the roof repair was included in the 2008 budget; they do not have the proposals from the three contractors yet. She has requested proposals from Wayne Brown, Al Fauteaux, A.L. Johnson & West Rindge Builders. Understanding they won’t be able to get new windows, they would like to increase the fuel expense. They are hoping the Town will see a savings in fuel with the new thermostat, better windows, etc.
Discussion followed regarding the fact that heating costs don’t seem to be accurate and should be adjusted.
Kullgren commented that he was glad to hear the library is expanding, and becoming a place for WiFi and a media center, as well as a library. He asked what is the next phase will be.
Maryanne discussed a couple of the goals (i.e. an ongoing book sale, bookmobiles etc.) she added we need people with some excitement to help get these programs started.
Discussion followed about the area Library Trustee monthly meetings; the Greenfield Library Trustees have been attending them regularly. Maryanne indicated these meetings are very enlightening and they have learned a lot. She further stated to the Board that the Trustees are the governing body of the Library, they are the ones who decide the compensation, they want to put in the raises they requested and they want it to remain in place. The overall budget, without the roof repair, is $3.00 less than it was last year; they have tried to keep a flat budget. The amount of work the librarian & children’s librarian have taken on is tremendous compared to the past; these librarians are working hard and deserve the increase the trustees have requested.
Selectwoman Day asked if there would be a charge for the downstairs room.
Maryanne said not for Greenfield residents.
Day asked if anyone had signed up for Trustee.
Maryanne stated no.
Day stated her husband, Roger Lessard has indicated he would be interested in the position of Library Trustee as a write in.
Selectmen thanked Maryanne for attending the meeting.
Action Items:
· Keep the roof repair at $5,000.00
· Keep wages at what trustees recommended
· Increase heating costs $5,000.00.
Budgets:
Selectmen spent some time reviewing the finalization of the 2008 proposed budget. Kullgren noted that the net appropriations are down $60,000.00. Based on current information the tax rate should be somewhere near $5.70. The Town of Greenfield is looking at a potential 4% decrease.
Budgetary items discussed:
· Election/Registrations & Vitals – Day provided a picture of what could be build for voting booths, she further commented that before ordering booths we should show this to the Town Clerk and see what she thinks. We could possibly get them made locally and save a significant amount of money.
· Gen. Gov’t Buildings Repair & Maintenance– It was discussed that Deb has not received the proposal for a heating system; Selectman Adams will talk to Chris Cuddemi & Dan Wolaver to see where the proposal is.
· Library – increase advertising to $50.00, move the $43.75 to this line – Maryanne to get revised figures to Deb by Monday. Kullgren discussed ways of getting people excited about the library.
· Interest on tan – Kullgren requested this figure be justified for the general ledger
· Recycle – Resident, George Rainier asked about the port-a-potty expense. It was explained the Town is going to purchase a composting toilet and be done with the chemical toilet; this will remove the line item completely in 2009.
Other Business:
Selectmen reviewed the miscellaneous incoming mail.
Selectmen discuss an e-mail received from Jeremy Putnam re: making a “sandlot” out back. A letter will be drafted for Mr. Putnam explaining the reasons this cannot happen.
Selectmen discussed an e-mail from Melissa K. Royer, Principal Defender Data Recovery & Forensic Services – This e-mail will be forwarded to the Library & the elementary school.
Signed A/P invoices & Payroll – discussed the A/P “to be discussed” folder. No payment for purchases will be authorized without receipts before reimbursement to be requested.
Discussed an e-mail from Tim Fountain of Cartographic, regarding changes on the new maps. Selectmen do not see the need to hold payment, they are a credible company and will make good on the contract.
Signed minutes from 1/8/08 – 1/29/08
Signed Abatement for gravel tax, this tax was paid in 2005 never credited (R1-1-3-GRVL). The property owner provided signed receipt for this tax payment.
Signed Alcohol Permit – Greenfield Parks & Recreation – Friday night dance.
Signed Oak Park Use for GFD, use for the Firemen’s Muster in July.
Chairman Kullgren signed the Road Toll Reimbursement
Chairman Kullgren signed CDBG semi annual report for the Crotched Mountain “Peak Performance” project. The original will be sent to CDBG.
Signed a letter to Town Clerk discussing procedural matters.
Administrative Assistant mentioned that a shutter at Meeting House has come loose and needs to be addressed. Selectman Adams will take care of this when the meeting adjourns.
Administrative Assistant requested attending NH Public Employer Human Resource Administrator meeting March 19, 2008 sponsored by LGC – topic “Courtroom Door Openers”
Selectman Jarvis said he would clean the septic tank filter in the spring.
Town Report was discussed, Selectmen want the Town report to be a Wire O binding, and 750 reports will be ordered.
Adams will discuss Mr. Spear cleaning the Fire Station, however the buffing, windows and semi-annual items will need to still be taken care of by McGurty Maintenance.
Administrative Assistant to discuss Old Bennington Road patrols with Chief Giammarino.
Administrative Assistant to contact Vachon & Clukay to schedule the 2007 audit.
With no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 6:00 pm, budget hearing to follow at 6:30.
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