Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Tuesday – August 12, 2008 – 6:15 pm
Present: Chairman, Aaron Kullgren; Selectwoman, Karen Day; Selectman, Jarvis Adams, IV
Deb Davidson taking minutes
Call to order: Chairman Kullgren called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm
Appointments:
· 6:00 – Town Energy Committee – Candice Fowler & Dan Wolaver were present to represent the TEC. They provided a report on their findings of town energy consumptions, specifically the Town Offices and made recommendations for how to begin the implementation of these recommendations.
1. Building must be tightened up
2. A more extensive investigation of the needs & what would be the most efficient steps to move forward. Discussion of insulation & windows makes the most sense to start the process followed.
Discussion followed regarding the best options, getting at least 3 quotes for all stages will be required
TEC action: To obtain as many quotes as possible for any/all work to be completed.
Wolaver stated that Mr. Pinney reiterated the importance of hiring an engineer to assure that the first two stages would efficiently work before any work is actually started.
· 6:30 Road Agent, Duffy Fox – Update on Highway Dept. –
Selectmen thanked Duffy for coming in and stated they were glad he was back to work and feeling well.
o Employees - Duffy stated while he was out the highway crew got quite a bit of work completed. Not too much difficulty with the new staff, any problems have seemed to work themselves out. Duffy wanted to recommend a policy similar to what the Hancock policy states, reflecting a 1-year probationary period; it would give a better showing of how employees do seasonally. For example, one employee may excel in the summer and struggle during mud season or the winter months.
o Summer work - Several culverts were replaced with the excavator; there is still ditch work that could be completed. The County Community Service workers are working out well, currently Duffy has them working at Oak Park, and then they will be cutting brush. Weather permitting they will work on the fence next week.
o Defensive Driving – There is a defensive driving course scheduled for Monday August 25, 2008. There are approximately 10-12 people signed up for the program, neighboring towns will be sending their Highway crew over to take the course as well.
Chairman Kullgren asked how Duffy was doing with FEMA projects. Duffy stated we have the check, and the work is being completed. The base coats are complete on the roads. Adams asked about the road reconstruction and how much has been able to be completed. Duffy responded that 6 cross plate sections have been done on Mountain Road, which is about it for this year. Doesn’t believe the crew will get to pave this year, but they will next year. Kullgren asked about highway capital items, Duffy stated the backhoe is scheduled for a warrant article in 09; there have been unexpected maintenance expenses this year, the grader needed repairs in the spring, the cost was $3500.00. The backhoe needed a part that was $1600.00, the truck needed repairs he hadn’t anticipated, hasn’t seen the bill for
that yet. He also needed to buy tires, chains and more; the normal maintenance budget is pretty much spent. There really are no capital issues, salt is up about $10.00/ton from last year, sand is a concern but he will get three prices if possible. Brief discussion followed regarding the town owning a gravel pit and having Duffy survey it and inform the board what is exactly there to use. Further discussion followed. Duffy discussed the intent of the donation of the property was to allow for gravel for the town. Will get as much done as possible before fall, and will start working on getting a stockpile of sand.
Deb was instructed to check with other towns and see how they handle mutual aid calls and payment with their staff that responds. Also ask about salary compensation regarding Duffy specifically requesting vacation time to be borrowed from next year.
· 7:00 Recycle Supervisor, Matt Blanchard – Matt had to cancel – however he asked that Deb report to the Board:
o The fundraiser was great fun, thanking the board for their support, and especially wanted to thank Aaron for the donation of toys, they really made the kids happy during the event. Approx. $1200.00 was netted. Deb will turn the funds over to Trustees to setup an account.
o Matt will be on vacation next week – Pat will be covering on Tuesday &Thursday. Deb will meet her at 5:00 and help her close. Also, Saturday Deb will help Pat from 8-noon, however someone will need to be there with Danni from noon – close. Deb was instructed to ask the GRC if they could help.
Other Business:
Mail – Selectmen reviewed the miscellaneous incoming mail
Signatures –
· A/P invoices and checks.
· Minutes – The Selectboard approved the 07/29/08 minutes
· Road Toll Refund
· Personnel:
o Employee Time-off worksheets –Joe Ellis, Jeff Tarr
o Vacation Request – Deb Davidson (1 ¼ days)
· Correspondence:
o NH DOT requesting town to paint & maintain crosswalks
· Policies adopted: 7/29/08 –
o Final signatures on Commercial Class C fireworks
o Code of Conduct
o Cash Receipts Investment
Discussion:
Fire Dept: At a previous meeting the BOS asked Deb to contact Fire Chief, Jim Plourde and discuss the following
· Purchases - Why hasn’t the turnout gear or the gated Y been ordered yet – Jim just hasn’t ordered it yet.
· Grant – Plourde hasn’t heard anything yet.
· Repairs – Jim didn’t purchase any of the items to do the paint and build the cover for the generator, it was too wet.
· Setback Thermostat – Plourde reported that a setback thermostat wouldn’t work; the bay has to be at 70degrees because of IV’s and other medical supplies. They have a setback anyway, it goes back to 66, but again the bay has to be at 70, Chief Plourde mentioned it is only 68 when there are meetings.
· BOS Meeting – Chief Plourde said that September 23rd would be fine for the BOS to meet at the station
· Electricity – Chief Plourde has no idea why the cost is so high, possibly due to the outside light that has to be on all the time.
· Personnel matter – Deb was instructed to contact an appropriate person to handle a situation that has occurred.
Library –
· Roof Repairs – Deb reported she discussed this with Trustee Maryann Grant who indicated they are still waiting for bids, with the summer as wet as it was, it was very difficult to get bids on the job.
Increased valuation - $4,280,517 since April 2007 – data compiled from the MS-1 to date
Hazardous Mitigation Plan – A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008 6:15 pm to adopt the Town of Greenfield Hazardous Mitigation Plan as written. Copy will be available in the AA office for review.
Community Service Program – Deb & Duffy gave an update on how the first two days have gone. Very positive, a very good program, they will work on the fence around the Meeting House cemetery next week.
Old Town Office – Deb received an e-mail from Crotched Mtn. regarding a leaking roof at the old town office. Deb will wait to hear from John Parisi as to what step to take next.
Adjournment - With no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm. The next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, August 26th 2008 at 6:00 pm at the Town Office Meeting Room.
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