Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Tuesday – November 25, 2008 – 7:15 pm
Present: Chairman, Aaron Kullgren; Selectman, Jarvis Adams, IV; Selectwoman, Karen Day
Minutes: Administrative Assistant, Deb Davidson
Call to order: Chairman Kullgren called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm.
Appointments:
7:15 – Duffy Fox & Myron Steere – Chairman Kullgren opened the discussion stating that Selectman Adams, Jeff Tarr, Road Agent, Duffy Fox and himself all went to view the alleged damage from Muzzey Hill Road and assess what Mr. Steere has stated has happen to his driveway due to the road repairs.
A very lengthy discussion followed.
Mr. Steere stated he would like to see the culvert on his driveway replaced. Either way it will be completed, as he has hired a contractor. Mr. Steere went on to say he would like assistance to do the repairs from the town, whereas he feels it is the towns fault his driveway is having problems. He does not want to remove the trees on the driveway, but realizes he will most likely have to.
Duffy stated the cost of culvert is $10.00/foot – Duffy further stated he made a water hole and it hasn’t been maintained by Mr. Steere, the pond was installed for Mr. Steere and Fox stated it is a benefit for Steere and is not the town’s responsibility to maintain the pond.
Discussion followed regarding filing a claim with LGC, an adjuster will be assigned to the claim and will assess the problem. No decisions will be made at this time. Mr. Steere was made aware that the Town cannot spend town funds on private properties; this needs to be assessed by our insurance.
Deb was instructed to contact Kurt Grasset of Hancock and ask him to meet with Duffy to assess the problem, and give us his unbiased opinion.
The question was asked if the Town and State are held to the same standards when it comes to roads & driveways. No discussion followed.
8:00 – Conservation Commission – Carol Irvin – Carol began by stating she wanted to update the Board with information regarding the Monadnock Conservancy and the preservation of land owned by Liz Thomas. Ms. Thomas would like a land conservation easement placed on the land she owns in Peterborough and in Greenfield. She has approached the Peterborough ConCom to assist with the 384 acres located in Peterborough and has also approached Greenfield to assist with the 57 acre parcel in Greenfield. Her land abuts the Wapack National Refuge; an easement on this land would protect the entire area. By putting all this land in an easement increases the preservation of land by 2,578 acres. Carol went on to explain the ConCom did vote to support this easement financially 100% for her portion the
Greenfield land, therefore $6,617.00 will be provided for this easement to be followed through.
Ms. Thomas is reserving right to build one home on the property. The home must be built on either the easterly or westerly land and must be placed relatively close to the road.
8:20 - Budget Committee – Budget Committee members present were Myron Steere, Norm Nickerson, Bruce Dodge, Cliff Shaw was also present.
The discussion opened with Chairman Kullgren explaining the loss of revenues to the town, and the means in which the Board chose to keep the tax rate as low as they possibly could.
The Board discussed the increase in the insurance premiums, raises, and various meeting places for the Selectmen’s meetings. Kullgren explained the board has met with most department heads and clearly understand what each department head is looking for and why.
Deb explained that Pam Fecteau from LGC called and explained that our adjusted MOD for workers comp has increased. The Town has had 3 claims from one employee which has adjusted our rate upward from .85 - .97, this has added an additional $2,000.00/year to our premium. Two of the three claims are still open. Since the MOD is still under 1, we continue to receive a 2% credit (it used to be 3%). If it goes over 1, our rate will most likely go up significantly. It was recommended to have some training by LGC, which could help to reduce our risk factor.
Discussion followed regarding the Code Officer office hours and why there is more wages budgeted in Greenfield. Deb was instructed to contact Peter and discuss if the Town of Greenfield needs office hours? Also Deb will contact Francestown, Lyndeborough, Bennington and Temple to see what they do, as their budgets for Code Officer/Building Inspector are significantly lower than Greenfield.
The Highway budget was discussed briefly. There were no real surprises to anyone with this budget.
Karen discussed concerns with financial standings of the town, where can cuts be taken. Projects need to be specifically outlined.
Myron Steere asked if Duffy ever completed the dry hydrants on Dodge Road, Deb will ask Duffy.
Budgets continued to be reviewed and discussed.
Selectmen would like to meet with the BudCom, Fire Chief, Library Trustees & Road Agent next week. They would like to hold the meeting at the fire station. The Library at 6:00; Fire Chief at 6:45; Highway at 7:30. Deb will check with Chief Plourde to be sure this is convenient.
Reviewing the budget, the Board would like the fireproof file cabinets that were budgeted ordered this year. Deb will notify the Department that wanted them.
9:00 – Chief of Police – Brian Giammarino – Unused holiday time and a possible job position negotiation discussion followed. Regarding the unused time Chief Giammarino has, the following decision was made.
Motion by Chairman Kullgren that the Town accrues 72 hours for holidays for Chief Giammarino; the time must be used before March 31, 2009. Seconded by Day, no discussion – voted: 3-0
Regarding negotiations of a possible new position in Town, no decisions were made at this time.
Approval of minutes:
Minutes of 11/18/08 Selectmen’s Meeting were accepted as written
Sign Documents:
Financial Assistance Lien
Intent to Cut – Carbee R5-28 &28-1
State Grant –
Hilary Dumas Correspondence
A/P Invoices
Payroll
Old Business:
Personnel policies – review updated policies – no action taken at this time.
New Business:
Selectmen reviewed the miscellaneous mail.
Holiday lights were discussed. The lights around the streetlights could be upgraded with LED lights, which would burn not even $1.00 worth of electricity throughout the holiday season. Selectwoman Day will pick the lights up.
Budgets:
See above w/Budget Committee
Adjournment - Motion by Kullgren to adjourn the meeting at 11:37 pm. The next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, December 2nd 2008 at 6:00 pm
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