Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Tuesday – December 2, 2008 – 6:00 pm
Present: Chairman, Aaron Kullgren arrived at 6:15 pm; Selectman, Jarvis Adams, IV; Selectwoman, Karen Day
Minutes: Administrative Assistant, Deb Davidson
Call to order: Meeting called to order by Selectwoman Day at 6:00 pm
Appointments:
6:15 – Roger Williams – Mr. Williams met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss Lyndeborough/Greenfield boundaries – Mr. Williams opened by discussing his inheritance of property located in Lyndeborough & Greenfield – Chairman Kullgren provided a synopses of his understanding of the town bounds possibly being incorrect between Lyndeborough & Greenfield.
Mr. Williams explained he hired Meridian to complete a survey of his property, the survey did not prove to be helpful. The survey proved to explain the property Mr. Williams now owns is somewhat incorrect with the boundaries. Williams went on to explain that he met with Road Agent, Duffy Fox, who is very knowledgeable about this situation. One of the problems is there is a dam that is currently in Greenfield, the dam has purged, the Department of Environmental Services has been notified and before this dam can be repaired it needs to be clearly noted whether the dam is in Lyndeborough or Greenfield. Another problem is the new subdivision, owned by Brooke Leasing. The mapping shows the subdivision is partially in Lyndeborough. Mr. Williams asked how could a building permit be issued on land that is not in your
town. Mr. Williams stated that the he wants the property owns clearly identified, he doesn’t want anyone else’s land, he wants the town bounds corrected because it is important that the boundaries be corrected. He is not disputing ownership, but did mention this was brought to both towns attention in 1958 and neither town dealt with it. He has hired an attorney who did say, it doesn’t change ownership, it changes town bounds to correct this matter. Williams stated he does not have any intention on building on this property, but he doesn’t want either property owner to be allowed to build until this is resolved.
Mr. Williams explained where he believes the town line should be, this is strictly his opinion. He feels very strongly that this dispute needs resolution before anything moves forward. While he had hired Meridian, Mr. Hawkins also did. Williams stated Meridian informed him this is a big mess and should be resolved. Upon research Mr. Williams believes that markers have been relocated, he has a very detailed file, though does not have all the notes his brother had acquired with him at this time.
Ultimately, he would like to see Lyndeborough and Greenfield work this dispute out together.
Selectman Adams did mention that this matter has been discussed with Lyndeborough and though we started on the other end of town, we do want the perambulation to continue, to be completed and accurate.
Discussion followed regarding this is really a town line dispute, not a property line dispute. Code Officer, Peter Hopkins stated that a property owner could legally build on a town line. Hopkins went on to say that he has had this problem in the towns of Bennington and Francestown and has been notified by town counsel that it is legal to build on a town line.
Selectwoman Day stated she understands the importance of this and would like to see the Board work with Lyndeborough to resolve this matter.
Adams asked what Mr. Williams would like to do.
Mr. Williams stated that he appreciated the question and he would like the town to help resolve this matter, working with Lyndeborough to resolve it. He would like to move forward with the repair of the dam.
Kullgren assured Mr. Williams the Town of Greenfield would reach out to the Town of Lyndeborough and discuss this matter.
Discussion followed on types of temporary housing, setbacks, modular homes and more. No decisions were made. Peter Hopkins explained to Mr. Williams that in Greenfield you must be 25 feet from wetlands, you cannot disturb the land within 25 feet of wetlands.
7:00 – Greenfield Parks & Recreation Committee – The committee rescheduled will be at the meeting on December 16th at 7:00 pm.
7:15 – Code Officer, Peter Hopkins – Hopkins discussed he recently met with the ConCom, at the meeting a couple of properties were brought to his attention and concerns have been voiced regarding a couple properties on New Boston Road. He wants the board to be apprised of this to be aware that a plan needs to be set forth to force clean up of these properties. They are both junkyards by statute; Hopkins went on to explain the statute and the liability that lies within the statute. Discussion followed, no decision made at this time.
Approval of minutes:
Minutes of 11/25/08 Selectmen’s Meeting were accepted as written.
Sign Documents:
Pole Permit
Old Business:
Personnel policies – Selectmen adopted the new policies with a minor change regarding allowing up to 5 holidays’s to be carried over, but to be used within the first 90 days of the year.
Town Report cover – Selectmen would like to honor the Greenfield GIVers with having their photo on the cover of the 2008 Town Report. Selectwoman Day will contact Neal Brown and discuss this.
Selectmen discussed holding a meeting with the Tax Collector, Attorney Teague and the Carbee's at the December 16th Selectboard meeting to discuss a resolution of the past due taxes.
Discussed negotiations with a local business, no decisions were made.
New Business:
Office Closing – Administrative Assistant, Deb Davidson discussed vacation time for both her and Catherine Shaw. They would like permission to close the office to the public the week of Christmas. This was unanimously agreed to by the Board. Davidson was instructed to post the closing in all the normal places.
Selectmen reviewed the incoming mail
Meeting House – The Francestown Cloggers would like to use the Meetinghouse basement to practice for a few months in the winter. The Board approved this request. There will be no fee, as this will come under the Parks & Recreation activities.
Budgets:
Building Inspector - Davidson updated the Board with regards to the Building Inspector budget. Hopkins has agreed to keep his wage at $6,000.00; he also agreed to reduce the line item for books to $500.00.
Insurances – Davidson discussed why the workers compensation budget has increased so significantly. Concerns were expressed.
Other business:
9:00 – RSA 91A:3 II (C) Reputation - In accordance with RSA 91A:3 II (c) Chairman Kullgren motioned to enter into a non-public session. Seconded by Day & Adams. Voted: (3-0)
9:15 pm motion by Kullgren to enter out of the non-public session and to further seal the minutes. Seconded by Day & Adams. Voted: (3-0)
No decisions were made.
Action items:
Reschedule DRA & Avitar until the first of the year
Advertise the position of Treasurer
RFP for plumbing – Jarvis will have this ready for next year. Deb was instructed to contact Diane Boilard, Energy Committee member, and see how the re-quotes for the insulation are coming along.
Deb to determine exactly how many gallons of fuel was consumed in 2008 (propane, diesel, #2)
Deb to contact Monadnock Ledger/Transcript and let the reporter know the board would like to start holding “open mike” meetings on Tuesdays at 6:00 for one hour, hoping to get residents to attend the meetings, participate and start dialogue that would be beneficial for everyone.
Adjournment - With no further business, Chairman Kullgren motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 pm. The next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, December 9th 2008, 6:00 pm at the Fire Station.
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