Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting
Tuesday – July 22, 2008 – 6:00 pm
Present: Chairman, Aaron Kullgren; Selectwoman, Karen Day; Selectman, Jarvis Adams, IV
Deb Davidson taking minutes
6:00 pm chairman Kullgren called the meeting order
Appointments:
Chairman Kullgren read the agenda aloud.
Kullgren announced the resignation of Molly Anfuso as Parks & Recreation Director, with regret. Wishing Molly was present to address the populous.
Many residents were present for this meeting. Kullgren offered the public an opportunity speak on this matter. No residents chose to speak at this time.
Kullgren read P & R items that need addressing
Jamboree – Adams provided a list of items that need addressing for the Jamboree.
Adams asked the Jamboree members if advertising, t-shirts, etc. have been done. Agneta Brown stated, that they know nothing. Mr. & Mrs. Brown stated they are responsible for scheduling of programs. Tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 7:00pm there is a meeting scheduled at Oak Park to discuss the Jamboree. Adams will attend the meeting as a Selectboard representative and to get an update of everything that is or is not done.
Swim Lessons – Lifeguards were a concern this week by several parents, as there was only one lifeguard because other was on vacation. Tomorrow the second lifeguard will be back. The one lifeguard would flip the sign over and say “no lifeguard on duty” while giving swim lessons.
Lifeguards – There are several items with lifeguards that need addressing such as hours, money, and schedules. Catherine Shaw asked about the revenue from the concession, as far as record keeping the funds need to be accounted for, never have and there is never any funds turned over to the town. Jarvis stated that currently the head lifeguard is taking care of concessions. Catherine stated the protocol is they should purchase the supplies, submit a receipt and get reimbursed. Receipts must be turned in.
Oak Park Schedules – There needs to be verification of program schedules and what is the schedule for Oak Park rentals. The central office has no knowledge except for the NEFTA program, no matter what the central office should be kept apprise as to what is happening within the town.
6:13 pm Molly Anfuso came to the meeting, Kullgren interrupted meeting to allow Molly a moment to discuss anything she would like to discuss regarding her resignation. Kullgren informed Molly the Board had regretfully accepted her resignation.
Molly commented that when she was here last Tuesday, she thinks things that took place created an emotion that left her no place else to go. The first was to question her own sense of community, the second was she felt disrespected and the third was the way in which it was not professionally handled. She feels if at this point, the problem is bigger than the cause; her resignation was what needed to happen.
Kullgren asked for any resident to voice his/her opinion if they would like.
Gary Smith asked how the Board feels about the resignation of Molly.
Adams stated that he was surprised and felt the meeting was a good meeting.
Smith feels the Board does not have a backbone.
Karen Day stated that she was dismayed by the resignation, in general Molly has done a good job, and it is unfortunate that she resigned.
Kullgren stated he was not in favor of the resignation, he felt there are minor personnel issues, which did not warrant a resignation. Kullgren explained that what exasperated her resignation and placed the Town in this position was the cleaning out of her office, return of the keys, phone, computer and all her other actions. Her actions were and are considered a formal resignation.
Gary Smith asked the Board why they don’t ask her to come back.
Mr. Brown asked the Board …“do we need to accept her resignation?”
Kullgren explained that after speaking to four attorneys he was advised that, she did resign by cleaning office and not showing for work, however they would like to work this out.
Mr. Brown commented that it is the Boards power to reverse this resignation.
Kullgren stated that they could rescind the resignation, though they accepted the resignation, and this needs to be done in private.
Mrs. Brown asked if this is a way to get rid of the recreation department.
Selectman Adams responded that for a while there has been consideration of the separation of the two positions. It has been asked to look at this separation of duties, for quite a while from different residents, the board can take a look now and be objective. Adams continued there have been actions taken, choices made and the position should now be reviewed.
To answer Mrs. Brown, Adams responded that this is not a way to get rid of the programs, that is not what the intent is. Molly has resigned and now the Board can look at the positions separately.
Selectwoman Day stated, no she does not see them getting rid of the Parks & Recreation Department, how they handle them may be different but she doesn’t want to get rid of recreation, she believes it is a community department and wants to keep the community together.
Chairman Kullgren replied with a “ditto”
Dan Beard stated that they should rescind the resignation, go back to original program how it was set up. This is not the time to review it; it should be reviewed over a period of time and discussed with public works & Molly. Mr. Grant agreed with Mr. Beard.
Conrad Dumas stated that he disagrees with Adams, Dumas believes this not is the time to look at Parks & Rec., they should exercise their authority to keep it going as was voted in March at Town Meeting. Dumas stated there is no need to accept the resignation, but they should read the letters written aloud. Dumas stated his opinion that Molly has been invaluable to this town and should be reinstated.
Maryanne Grant responded by saying she totally disagrees with Adams comment that the Library is not an essential part of the community. They were shocked Molly resigned it completely surprised Mrs. Grant. She continued that either the Board and/or many residents have harassed Molly. Grant stated she went to a meeting when Molly was bashed and the Board should have stopped this. She is surprised to hear the Board was surprised that she resigned; she has worked with Molly for three years and feels Molly has been very helpful.
Nori Odoi discussed memories of two years ago at Town Meeting when the position was considered to be eliminated. Molly had an overwhelming amount of support, she doesn’t like that the Board is not seeing the support. As Mrs. Odoi sees it, we have a community and Molly is involved with every aspect of the community.
Kullgren commented that as a point of clarity, the position is not going to be eliminated, Molly resigned.
Mr. Brown commented that Molly is a gem of a public servant, has been subjected to interference, micro management etc., it is not her fault that there is probing, she is a great resource and the board should work out the personnel problems.
Linda Dodge commented that Molly had told her; she felt she had been led to believe she has a lack of community spirit. Dodge stated Molly copies run sheets at a whim, and as being head of rescue goes over and above. Linda believes she most likely carries that forward in her position as Parks & Recreation Director.
Kullgren asked Molly what she would like.
Molly would like to go into non-public and discuss some matters with the Board.
Kullgren discussed how a non-public would work at this time.
Molly thanked the community for their support.
Conrad Dumas expressed his thoughts that the Board should meet with Molly, without Deb to be present.
Karen stated she would take minutes.
Kullgren stated that Deb would be present, it is her job and things will remain confidential.
6:50 pm in accordance with RSA 91A;II 3 (c ) reputation a motion by Kullgren to into a non-public session. Seconded by Day & Adams. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
At 8:00 pm motion by Kullgren to enter out of the non-public session. Seconded by Day and Adams. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
Decision: To appoint Molly Anfuso as an interim Parks & Recreation Director until 12/31/08, during this period the BOS & Molly will work towards re-crafting the job description. If at anytime within that time period they feel necessary they will take appropriate action to fill the position.
At this time Kullgren turned the floor to Molly who expressed her thanks to the supporters she has, and apologized to everyone for upsetting people.
Becky Reed asked what they are looking for in a new position.
Adams & Kullgren explained the objectives the Board is working towards.
The public expressed their thoughts on the decision the board made, lengthy discussions followed.
With no further discussion Chairman Kullgren motioned to accept the decision as written, Seconded by Day & Adams. Voted: unanimously affirmative.
Next order of business -
Recycle Center Fundraiser – Deb to report to the Board what LGC stated about the money, volunteers & insurances with relation to the proposed fundraiser by Danni Lowell. She further reported that John Erdman from BCH approved the usage of the Dunking Booth that is owned by BCH at this fundraiser; Deb will contact Mr. Erdman when the event is closer.
Lyndeborough Mtn. Rd. - Deb updated the BOS with regards to the rumor that building permits are being issued from Lyndeborough off Greenfield Class VI roads – After speaking with Lyndeborough TA, Neal Cass there are NO permits being issued, and there wouldn’t be without the Lyndeborough BOS having a meeting with Greenfield. This is a rumor only.
Planning Board – Regarding Chairman Carrara’s request to have someone do the invoicing for the Planning Board, Deb asked for directive, this matter was not resolved the previous week. Selectmen instructed Deb to discuss this with Catherine Shaw and Carrara; the Board would like to see the office handle this matter directly.
8:16 – Katherine Heck – Treasurer update –
· Deputy - Katherine reported that while she was out her deputy, Melissa Champagne did a fantastic job.
· Tax Anticipation Note - To date the TAN is paid in full; it started in April/May and was paid in full on July 3rd, interest paid to date is $2,000.00, in comparison to the previous years, of approximately $8,000.00. It has benefited the Town getting tax bills out more timely. Heck went on to say that the fact the Town was approved to borrow $600,000.00 and has only used $365,000.00, looks very promising for the Town. She commented it does not mean we are in great standing but it does look better for the Town and the financial standing in which it is in.
Chairman Kullgren asked that it be noted in the minutes that the Board is very impressed that we even got a TAN this year and thanked Katherine for her due diligence.
Katherine thanked him for his comment.
Discussion followed regarding investments, interest, etc., if continue on this road we will be well below the estimated expenditure
Will get monthly reports started as soon as possible. Will start investing in 30 day CD’s.
8:30 - RSA 91A:3 II (c ) – Reputation – Motion by Chairman Kullgren to enter into non-public session to discuss a matter which if discussed publicly could adversely affect ones reputation. Seconded by Day & Adams – Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
8:45 pm – motion by Kullgren to enter out of the non-public session and to further seal the minutes. Seconded by Day & Adams - Voted unanimously in the affirmative.
No discussion followed.
Decision: To authorize the welfare director to take the appropriate action on the matter discussed.
Voted 3-0 in the affirmative.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm. The board will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 6:00 pm.
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