Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Tuesday – March 25, 2008 – 6:00 pm
Present: Chairman, Aaron Kullgren; Selectwoman, Karen Day; Selectman, Jarvis Adams, IV
Administrative Assistant, Debra Davidson taking minutes
Chairman Kullgren called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm
Appointments:
6:30 – In accordance with RSA 91A: 3 II (a) Chairman Kullgren motioned to enter into a non-public session for a personnel matter. Seconded by Day & Adams. No discussion. Voted unanimously (3-0)
6:45 Motion by Chairman Kullgren to enter out of the non-public session. Seconded by Day and Adams. No discussion followed.
Decision: To increase Recycle Attendant, Matthew Blanchard to an hourly wage of $15.00/hour effective immediately. Seconded by Day. No discussion. Voted unanimously in the affirmative (3-0). Matt was commended by the Board for the excellent job he has been doing at the recycle center. Matt has set some personal goals for the center and will work towards reaching those goals by next year.
The Board discussed they would like to see the residents in the Town of Greenfield recycling at 50% in the future, currently the residents only recycle at approximately 15-18%.
6:50 – Myrone Steere – Mr. Steere stopped in because he wanted to thank the Board and Deb for doing a good job at Town Meeting. He expressed that he feels the meeting went well. He further commented he thinks the Town Report was done very well. His one suggestion was that the information that everyone is provided is not consistent and should be put out to the public more often, maybe in a public forum more frequently.
Selectmen discussed a charge from the Board for the Budget Committee in 2008. They would like to see the BudCom prepare a fiscal plan for the CIP from the budget committee. This would allow voters to have a 10 year potential tax impact if the CIP is adhered to.
7:10 – Parks & Rec. Director, Molly Anfuso – Molly discussed the following:
· Program scholarships – As a follow-up on the decision about the autistic child who requested support of an aid for the program in Peterborough, Molly wanted to give her thoughts on this donation from Chairman Kullgren. After discussing the situation with Deb, Molly wanted discuss an alternate option for such a scholarship program and how to handle future instances. Molly suggested utilizing the revolving fund under the sports section, she can justify the utilization of funds in this area.
Discussion continued. Kullgren asked how much publicity is Molly prepared to output for this. It was suggested that Molly be prepared to discuss this with the local newspaper, Selectmen would also be involved with this discussion. Kullgren indicated he is supportive of this type of scholarship and publicity for such a scholarship. He went on to say there are more children being diagnosed with autism, aspergers, ADHD etc. and no child should be denied the ability to participate in sports activities if they want to, if a family either needs a one on one aid or financial support to allow their child participation we should work towards providing such support.
· Oak Park & rentals of Oak Park – Anfuso discussed that each year more and more people are requesting overnight camping at Oak Park, her concerns are what is to be allowed and what is not. Basically, where do we draw the line. One concern is liability, taxing on buildings, grounds and overhead. If the Board allows overnights, Anfuso would like the rental fee for overnight rentals to be reconsidered.
Selectmen will think about this and make a decision at a later date. Discussion of negotiations with the State Park could be revisited. Lengthy discussion followed. No decisions on this matter were made at this time.
· Spirit – Molly mentioned she will put a survey into the next issue of the Spirit with regards as to what residents would like to see for their parks & recreation department. She will also put into the Spirit that the summer of 2008 swimming lesson will not be offered. This is due partially to no staffing, partially due to the feel at Town Meeting. She is replacing the rafts on a trial basis, if the raft is vandalized in anyway it will be removed and not put back. She is informing the Board so they will be aware of this in the event that anyone has questions.
DECISION: Molly will come back to the Board in a couple weeks to further discuss the above matters. This will remain on the agenda until it is resolved.
Selectmen discussed with Molly the future of a maintenance person for the Parks & Recreation, and also discussed separating the two departments. No decisions were made regarding this matter.
Kullgren briefly discussed Town Meeting with Molly, and complemented her on how she handled herself at Town Meeting. Keeping the thought of “we” not “me”, Kullgren stated was a positive way of speaking about the department. Molly thanked the Board for their support.
Other Business:
Mail - Selectmen reviewed the miscellaneous mail
A/P- Selectmen were reminded to sign A/P invoices & checks on Wednesday.
Appointments - Signeded Appointments for Library Trustee, Eric Leonardi; Planning Board, Dario Carrara; Town Energy Committee, Diane Boilard.
Bank Cards - Signed new bank signatures authorization forms
MS-2 - Approved and signed the 2008 MS-2
TAN - Selectmen signed an agreement with TD BankNorth to obtain a Tax Anticipation Note.
Motion by Kullgren to authorize the Treasurer, Katherine Heck to obtain a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) for the ensuing tax year 2008. Seconded by Day. No discussion – voted: Unanimously (3-0).
Benefits Eligibility – Selectmen discussed benefits eligibility of an employee that was part-time and is now full-time (see memo). Selectmen read the memo and discussed this request to be allowed eligibility prior to the 90 probationary period. Selectmen unanimously agreed to follow policy and the insurance will take effect on May 1, after the 90 day probation period is complete. Selectmen signed a memo indicating their decision to this employee.
Bonding – Selectmen reviewed a memo from the Treasurer requesting assurance the Planning Board is taking proper steps to obtain a bond for the Mitchell subdivision as soon as possible. Selectmen reviewed this memo thoroughly and discussed it, they agree the proper steps should be taken to place the least amount of burden on the taxpayers for this project. Selectmen concur with the memo from Mrs. Heck. Adams will discuss this with the Planning Board at their next meeting.
Spirit – Selectmen did not approve the DRAFT April/May Spirit. They would like articles written for recycling as well as elderly & veterans exemptions. Deb & Matt will write the respective articles. Selectman Adams will write something for recycling as well. With regards to billing for advertising in the Spirit, Day will make sure she notifies Deb of who is to be billed when ads are placed in the newsletter.
Delinquent Taxes - Delinquent tax notice was discussed. A resident requested the list, was not happy he had to pay $10.50 for the list. The cost for copying pages is $.75/page, discussion of putting this information on the website followed. Deb mentioned the list changes each time someone pays their taxes, Selectmen would like this information on the website, a disclosure could be written indicating the list is “as of” whatever date it is placed on the website and may be subject to frequent change.
Office Hours – It was noted to the Board, the Tax Collector’s office hours have changed on Thursday 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Maps – Selectmen tabled the review of the new updated Tax Maps & Zoning
Legal – Deb reviewed a letter from John Teague with the board regarding the Carbee property. No action to be taken at this time, John Teague would like to review the letter with Deb, who will discuss it with the Board next week.
Deb reviewed and discussed a letter from Attorney, Geroge Thompson requesting waiver of notice on a property to be foreclosed on Friday, March 27th, 2008. The waiver will not jeopardize or release the welfare lien on this property, it is allowing the foreclosure to go forward, as the Attorney did not notify the welfare office of the foreclosure in the timely fashion. This waiver does not jeopardize the town receiving the welfare funds, providing the property sells and has an excess after the mortgage is paid on the property.
Job Applications – The highway position applications were reviewed. The Board would like to meet with Road Agent, Fox next week for discussion on the applicants, position, answer questions, wages etc. After meeting with Fox, the Board will schedule interviews.
With no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 6:00 pm.
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