Town of Greenfield
Budget Hearing
Thursday– February 12, 2009 – 6:30 pm
Present: Selectmen - Chairman, Aaron Kullgren; Selectwoman, Karen Day; Selectman, Jarvis Adams
Administrative Assistant, Debra Davidson taking minutes
Selectman Kullgren opened the Budget Hearing at 6:30 pm. Deb spoke to the places the meeting was noticed, those places being the notice was printed in the Monadnock Ledger/Transcript, it was posted on the Town website and posted at the post office.
Several residents were present, Chairman Kullgren asked everyone to please sign in, and a sign up sheet was circulated.
Kullgren stated there were Warrants, Budgets & estimated tax rate sheets for the public on the table at the side of the room.
Selectman Adams spoke to Warrant Article #1, the zoning ordinance changes
Amendment #1 – Pertains to Windmills –
Joseph Ellis asked if windmills fall into the same height canopy as cellular towers.
Adams stated he thinks it’s a 50’ limit but he isn’t 100% sure.
George Rainier stated it does exceed the cell tower limitation.
Amendment #2 – Outdoor wood fired hydronic heater –
Adams spoke to this stating it brings the Town regulations to be that of what the State laws are
Amendment #3 – Building Construction – Adams stated that again, this article is to bring the Town up to State codes, towns can be more stringent but basically putting code enforcement in the zoning ordinances.
Article 1C – Amendment #1 & #2 – floodplain ordinance – These are housekeeping matters that should have been addressed in 2008.
Warrant Article #2 – Operating budget $600,370 – Chairman Kullgren read article #2 –
Kullgren asked if anyone had questions, he further noted last year the article was $629,412
Resident, Jim Trenz stated that you can’t compare to last years figures, it was pointed out to Mr. Trenz that it is in the comparative budget and is also printed in the 2008 Town Report. Mr. Trenz asked what exactly were the savings.
Kullgren explained the following:
- Code Officer wages were reduced as the clerical work will be done in the office and there will be no office hours.
- Cemeteries had a small change
- The Conservation Commission cut their budget
- Elections was reduced as there are fewer elections in 2009
- Executive was reduced $2,500
- Financial Administration was reduced by $1,000
Resident, Adele Hale asked about assessing services and if this was the last year with Avitar?
Kullgren responded this is the final year of the level budgeting and the update, homeowners should see a reduction in their assessments. The assessing services will be put out to bid next year.
Resident Maryanne Grant asked that General Government Buildings be explained. She wants to be sure that maintenance for the Library will be included in that line. She also asked that the wages for 5 hrs/week of maintenance that is done around town also include the Library.
Kullgren explained that custodial fees include the Fire Dept., Library, Town Buildings, Building Maintenance is for the Town Office & Meeting House; Groundskeeping moved from Parks & Recreation to General Government Buildings.
Resident, George Rainier asked about Building & Grounds Maintenance and why is the figure so much. Deb explained she would get the information to Mr. Rainier as to what the exact appropriation is made up of.
Rainier asked why is Custodial Services up so much.
Kullgren explained that the entire contract figure with McGurty Maintenance is included and the figure is a consolidation of all buildings. It was also noted McGurty Maintenance has not increased their price for several years.
Resident, Al Burtt asked why the ambulance cost is so high – Mr. Burtt went on to comment that the majority of the calls are to Crotched Mountain, and further asked why do taxpayers have to incur this cost?
Kullgren responded that 25% of calls are to Crotched Mountain, and they do pay taxes. Kullgren explained the way Peterborough is trying to collect the unpaid balances. Kullgren understands Mr. Burtt and his position. Kullgren further stated the Board is in negations with Crotched Mountain and are trying to work some of these matters out, however he cannot comment to much as they are in the beginning stages of the negotiations.
Resident, Conrad Dumas asked to move the discussion to something else in terms of the budget.
Resident, Jack Moran asked, if it isn’t out of order, he would like to discuss the income as well as the expenses
George Rainier commented that since the ConCom has barely used their budget could the budget be cut more.
Selectwoman Day responded by stating she agreed, the committee wasn’t very active this past year, they will be more active in 2009. Chairman, Carol Irvine is working towards cutting another $500.00 out of the budget by Town Meeting.
Kullgren stated he would like to go to the comparative budget and review the revenues.
Jack Moran asked specifically about licenses permits and fees and Planning Board fees
Adams explained the Planning Board fees are actually reimbursed by user fees; they are basically a wash.
Moran asked if there was a lot of activity in 2008 when the budget was put together?
Adams stated yes that is true, there was a lot going on however with the economy the way it is, they are not anticipating as many development projects in 2009.
Meals & Rooms tax was questioned; Deb explained State has provided documentation indicating that figure will be less in 2009 than it was in 2008.
Interest and penalties on taxes were discussed – Kathy Valliere stated to increase this figure to $40,000.
Al Burtt wanted to go back to money from the State on Meals & Rooms Tax – Deb reiterated that she does have documentation stating the revenues will decrease.
Al Burtt also asked about the rent for the old town office, and wants to know where is the money for this rent in the budget.
Kullgren explained it is a three-year lease, Crotched Mountain is responsible for the repairs on the interior and the Town is responsible for the exterior, the contract will be reviewed in three years.
Adams stated the interior of the building was in awful shape prior to Crotched Mountain assuming responsibility of the building. They have done a lot of interior work and the building is in great shape, though it does need exterior paint, which is the Town’s responsibility.
Gwynn Mitchell asked a question regarding general information, in the event the Town receives this ”windfall” of past due taxes, can Selectmen put the funds into the general fund or can it go elsewhere.
Kullgren responded that the funds will go into the general fund and then be used to offset the tax rate.
There were no further questions regarding revenues.
Article #3 – CRF - $10,000 – Town Buildings – Kullgren explained this fund would be used for general upkeep of town buildings.
Joe Ellis asked if there was any money for the Library – Kullgren stated there is a CRF on the warrant for voters to decide if they want a CRF for this purpose.
Discussion followed about the leaking roof at the Library.
Article #4 – CRF - $10,000 – Energy Fund – Kullgren addressed this article stating that a CRF was established in 2008 to fund an energy efficiency review of town buildings. He further explained all that has taken place to date and further explained what is expected to be completed in 2009.
Adams discussed the current boiler and the possibility of re-piping it to be a hot water boiler, the boiler is in good shape, but the building needs to be re-piped for hot water. Adams explained this in detail. Another item is insulation; the energy committee did an energy audit that revealed there is not a stitch of insulation in the Town Office building. Prices for insulation ceiling have been obtained, the outside of the building would require removing the siding, so it was decided to wait until spring to do this.
Resident & Library Trustee, Eric Leonardi asked about the thermal imaging, noting the Energy Committee was at the library and wondering if the Library could also use some of the funds to do an energy audit for the library.
Kullgren stated the current CRF is for the town office building, but article #3 may be able to be used. Kullgren suggested they speak with the energy committee, and further stated the Board will definitely keep this in mind.
Articles # 5- Close 200th Anniversary Account – Kullgren explained this article – Resident, Conrad Dumas spoke to the article stating he sat on the original Anniversary Committee and suggested the funds go to the Historical Society, as they were instrumental in the 200th Anniversary being a success.
Peter Hopkins spoke in support of leaving the funds with the Fire Department anniversary, where the funds are being used in the fashion in which it was originally intended.
Article # 6 – Set up a 100th Anniversary Account – The purpose of this article is to open an account and place the $681.01 funds into the Fire departments100th anniversary fund.
Article #7- To Close the Fire Fighters Savings Account – George Rainier asked if there is any other use for these funds.
Katherine Heck stated the fund has not been used since 1993. She went on to say that with the spirit of the account, it has not been spent accordingly.
Hopkins spoke to this and explained why the account was originally set up was for the purpose of in the event of a forest fire, the funding of the fire would put the budget into a deficit, and this account would offset the general fund.
Conrad Dumas asked what is the Fire Chiefs opinion was on this.
Kullgren responded that Chief Plourde has not given the Board of Selectmen an opinion on this matter.
Heck stated that it will go to the town but as it stands now, the fund continues to get closed because it is not active.
Conrad asked if a $10.00 deposit would keep the account active
Heck responded by stating that is correct.
Article #8 – Funds to the CRF for the Fire Truck – This article is to place the $5,162.66 into the Fire Truck CRF -
Article #9 – Change the name of the Fire Truck CRF – Kullgren explained that Chief Plourde asked for this article to have a name change. Kullgren stated that the Fire Department hasn’t been denied the grant at this time; Chief Plourde would like the ability to utilize the funds for apparatus if possible.
Peter Hopkins stated changing the name doesn’t tie the town to only a truck.
Budget Committee Chair, and resident, Bruce Dodge commented the Chief has mentioned that the Jaws of Life could be replaced
Gwynn Mitchell asked how much money currently is in the fund
Kullgren stated $20,000
Gwynn Mitchell commented that the Town needs to be very careful when funds are set up into a CRF and not to change the use, it may have been voted differently if it had been originally intended for a different purpose.
Kathy Valliere asked about the Town of Greenfield’s CRF’s in general and stated that the Town can’t expend funds without a vote of the town.
Deb stated that was not true, the Dept. of Revenue has instructed that if when the accounts are first set up, it is set up and appoints the Selectmen as agents of the funds, they can expend them without a town vote.
Conrad Dumas said that in the past no major purchases were ever made without vote of the town.
Kullgren stated he agreed.
Catherine Shaw stated that in the past previous Boards of Selectmen did spend funds without the town’s vote; she proceeded to give the example that when the grader broke, it was a $20,000 repair and wasn’t approved by the town, the Selectmen authorized the repair.
Article 10 – Place the $5,162.66 into the newly named CRF
Article #11 – Fire Truck CRF - $14,837 - Cliff Shaw asked why $14,387
Kullgren stated that it was to be combined with the $5,162.66, to put $20,000 into the CRF
Article #12 – Generator - $25,000 - $12,500.00 matching town funds – Peter Hopkins spoke to this article. Hopkins explained with the recent winter experience he pointed out the Towns shortcomings. The schools are developing a program to get generators into schools. This will be a portable generator, allowing emergency personnel to keep all buildings operating. The purchase would be through a Homeland Security Grant.
Mr. Trenz asked what the size of the generator was
Peter wasn’t sure
Discussion followed regarding wording of the article to be amended to say, “For the Town of Greenfield, and that the generator would be housed at the Fire Station”.
Mr. Trenz asked if we could get more than one generator for $25,000?
Adams stated that the grant includes the generator, wiring, a trailer etc.
Gwynn Mitchell asked for clarification that the grant does include wiring all the town buildings; she asked which buildings specifically would be included in this grant.
Hopkins responded that the DPW shed, the Library, Meeting House, Town Office & Wastewater system would all be included.
Catherine Shaw stated she would like to she the wording changed to be more specific
Article #13 – Change term for Fire Chief from one to two-year – Hopkins spoke to this as this makes the Chief’s term the same as the Associations terms.
Article #14 – Payment of volunteers in the event of emergency – Kullgren explained this – Hopkins spoke to this to say we are a volunteer dept., gave examples of what other towns do by paying their volunteers a wage over and above their compensation. Greenfield volunteers are only paid in the event of a declared national emergency.
Dumas asked about state or county emergency
Hopkins stated this was the article that was proposed – if no funds transfer the Town can’t be reimbursed without this article.
Article #15 – Fire Dept. budget - $78,797 – Everyone reviewed the budget – Kullgren explained the changes i.e. expense reimbursements to give them a more reasonable reimbursement, equipment replacement was explained as well.
Al Burtt – clarified that his reimbursement worked out to $4.25/week
Article #16 – Backhoe – Road Agent, Duffy Fox stated that the $125,000 could be changed to $110,000 – it is Fox’s plan to get the backhoe doing its job rather than working it like he currently does as a loader, he also stated the backhoe is going to be used as the first year payment.
The breakdown equates to 7 payments of $17,453, with interest at 4.58% with the first payment being $9,000 from the trade in of our backhoe we currently have. Duffy stated he would like to purchase a 2009 430 EIT Caterpillar backhoe –
Duffy also stated this particular backhoe is interchangeable with the loader we have now.
Article #17 – CRF – Highway Equipment $10,000 – Setting up this account will help build our bond standing and set funds aside for the future of the highway department
Article #18 – Highway Budget - $529,808 – Mr. Paulson asked Duffy about reducing calcium chloride to 1.00 - Duffy explained he has plenty on stock
Duffy spoke to the matter he will be retiring in June and he wants the town to know
On behalf of the Town and the residents Kullgren thanked Duffy for all he has done over the years
Duffy stated in 10 years his budget never went over until this year
George Rainier asked why Road Reconstruction has been reduced to $70,000, and what are the plans for Road Reconstruction
Duffy stated Mountain Road was going to be completed in 2008 but he ran out of money - so he plans to finish that road in 2009. Increasing costs have made it difficult to keep up with the original plans. Whereas the general consensus is to cut taxes and expenditures; that means services get cut
Rainer asked if East Road was ever finished
Duffy responded that East Road has not yet been top coated. It is buying time and without the funds there aren’t enough funds to complete the job. East Road and New Boston Road never were finished with a final coat.
Kullgren stated if East Road is the important road to finish, as the Supervisor it is Duffy’s call. The Board doesn’t instruct him what roads to finish when.
Dumas asked if they are asking Duffy to determine what he needs and to budget it.
Kullgren said the Board is asking Duffy to prioritize
Duffy originally explained his plan, however the 10-year plan kept getting cut and he isn’t able to keep up with it with the budgets that have been asked for
Adams discussed the thoughts of finishing the roads with a bond and that is when we discovered the town’s bonding status, the Town couldn’t move forward with that plan
George Rainier asked Duffy about the plan to redo the different roads
Duffy commented that the roads are getting behind every year, with 13 miles of pavement; about 10 miles being completed every 3 years, the highway crew is not even treading water. Duffy stated that traffic counts increase and budgets are reduced.
Kullgren commented that is all the more reason to improve the Town’s bonding status
Jim Trenz asked why there is not a sign at the Francestown town line
Dumas commented that was a money item
Al Burtt asked why does insurances show such a savings in the 2009 budget
Duffy stated that he has had a change of personnel
Kullgren noted the Duffy and other staff is meeting with FEMA on Tuesday to see how many reimbursable expenses the Town is able to receive. A brief discussion followed.
Article #19 – CRF – Library Roof- $10,000 – Kullgren explained this article, he asked Library Trustee, Maryann Grant 0to speak to the article.
Maryann responded by stating that the current repairs are in the vicinity of $35,000 for the old section of the roof. She stated that it is very difficult to find someone who repairs or replaces slate roofs. Selectmen recommended rather than put it in the budget to set up a CRF.
Duffy asked if standing seam roof is being investigated – Duffy went on and explained what exactly a standing seam roof is and that it has a 100-year life expectancy. John Hopkins commented that a standing seam roof is what is on the building at Oak Park.
Maryann stated no that has not been investigated – another roofer explained a different type of slate that may be less expensive, but the Trustees do want to keep the aesthetics of the Library that are currently there.
Catherine Shaw said she doesn’t understand the logic behind this. She stated we should put $45,000.00 in the budget and fix the roof rather than piece mealing it. It seems like there will be more damage if it doesn’t just get repaired.
Adams discussed they have talked about doing it in stages, that is the logic in $10,000.00 each year.
Kullgren stated that Maryann should get together with either Duffy or John Hopkins to get prices on the standing seam roof.
Peter Hopkins stated that when the telephone office was done, a sample of synthetic product was presented and that might be worth looking into.
Joe Ellis discussed that if you fix the shingles and not the heat loss, the building is still going to leak due to ice buildup.
Discussion followed about the leaking roof, heat loss, proper ventilation etc.
Maryann discussed the basement and the leaking, she further discussed there are some very serious problems that need addressing.
Kullgren asked if there was some liability on the contractor
Maryann stated no, it is the old building, not the new part
Kullgren stated that he understood the leak is where the old and new building meets.
Mr. Trenz asked if there is anyone who oversees these projects
Kullgren responded it is the code officer
Article #20 – Library Budget - $64,275 – Kullgren explained custodial services have been moved to General Government Buildings, and the roof repair was removed, part-time wages for cleaning has also been removed.
Maryann stated the budget was asked to be slashed and they did it, however the Trustees feel it is a bare bones budget.
Article #21 – P & R - $17,833- Kullgren explained this budget has seen significant changes, Groundskeeping been moved to General Government Buildings –
Kullgren took this opportunity to introduce Conrad Dumas who helped write a job description for the position of the coordinator. Deb & Catherine have been overseeing the paperwork.
Deb thanked all the volunteers who have stepped up and helped keep this department moving forward. The Holiday Fair and Winter Carnival were a success with the help of the PTO, GIVers and many volunteers who put several hours into making sure these events were successful.
Kullgren mentioned that Maryann has offered to do the gardening for free – and asked the $3,000 for wages is removed from the budget. The Board truly appreciates her sentiments
George Rainier asked about the Coordinator vs. the Committee being utilized for the recreation director.
Kullgren explained the department had some trouble this past year; there were two resignations within the year. He further stated the volunteerism has been wonderful and they are hoping, with the efforts of the central office, volunteers and a director, this will work
Bruce Dodge asked about the revolving account
Katherine Heck addressed that it hasn’t been a revolving account, it didn’t work as a revolving account, thus being self-sufficient. From a Treasurers point of view, the account has only been a savings account, it has not been revolving.
Dodge asked if this would be addressed this year
Kullgren stated it would be addressed at town meeting
Adele Gagnon commented that she recalls voting at town meeting that Oak Park rental fees were supposed to go into the Oak Park fund
Catherine stated yes they did vote on that several years ago
Adele stated if the funds are supposed go into the Oak Park fund, have they.
Catherine stated that no, they did not.
Gwynn Mitchell asked if this go further than just 2008
Catherine no, it was just 2008. She further stated there is approximately $1,000.00 of rental fees that should be in the Oak Park Fund
Kullgren stated the office is working with auditors to rectify this fund
Kullgren showed the draft Town Report to those present
Article #22 – CRF –Police Cruiser - $5,000 – Kullgren discussed both cruisers are paid for, Chief Giammarino would like to get another year or two out of the current vehicles, so it seems logical to set up this fund to have some money for the purchase of a new cruiser in a couple years
Brian spoke to the condition of the vehicles and thinks they are in great shape
Joe Ellis asked if this could be used for maintenance or is it only to purchase new
Kullgren stated it could only be used to purchase a new vehicle
Article #23 – GPD budget - $203,596 – Kullgren asked if there were any questions
Al Burtt asked about health insurance and why it was up so much
Brian explained he is a 2-person plan and not a single plan
George Rainer asked about Giammarino’s increase in salary going from $55,604 – $65,000
Kullgren explained it was a wage adjustment and further explained that Giammarino is the prosecutor for the town, where other towns pay a prosecutor
Adams noted that in neighboring towns Chiefs receive overtime, Brian does not; he is salaried and does what he needs to get the job done.
Giammarino asked to speak to this question
Kullgren asked that Brian adjust the reasoning also that Brian works on weekends
Brian stated that the full time officers should work weekend because that is when there is higher crime
Rainer asked if the boards have reviewed other positions
Kullgren stated yes, they have
Al Burtt asked what the special detail was for
Giammarino explained the special detail were grant funds, it should come out to no cost to the town as the expense is reimbursed by the grant
Mr. Trenz asked about retirement for the police
Brian explained the Police don’t receive social security; therefore they receive a higher rate for retirement.
Before reviewing Article 24 – Kullgren asked John Gryval to explain the school budget, Kullgren went on to thank Mr. Gryval for stepping up and filling the vacant seat on the School Board.
John explained there would be a $27,000.00 decrease of payments for the Greenfield Elementary School portion of school budget. Mr. Gryvall gave statistics of the school, he stated that a lot goes into being on the School Board and he has a new appreciation for the position. The proposed budget is up over default budget by approximately, $423,000.00; the bond issue is included, Gryvall stated he voted against the bond; Gryvall discussed improvements that will be done and improvements that need to be done, ADA requirements were also discussed.
Teachers contracts were discussed – it was noted the School Board is supportive of the contracts, Gryval mentioned it is a give and take on both sides, the contract includes 3% raises across the board for the teachers, however teachers will have to begin to contribute to their insurances. Lengthy discussion followed.
Wages were discussed as well as incorporating multi age classes; however, this won’t take place in Greenfield.
Article #24 – Recycling Budget - $107,409 – Kullgren reviewed the discussed the budget as well as the Boards challenge of meeting 50% recycling increase over 2007, the Town is not there, yet but could still get there.
Adams discussed checking bags
The only change is health insurance, as Matt has gone to a family plan
Al Burtt asked about the port-a-potty
Matt explained the Town purchased an incinelet toilet, which allowed for the removal of the port-a-potty
Kathy Valliere commented that Greenfield should be proud of the Recycle Center; she said they do a fantastic job compared to some other towns
Kullgren discussed and reviewed the valuation sheets
Gwynn Mitchell commented that several years ago at a town meeting it was voted to publish the residents who have unpaid taxes, she believes this vote was 10 – 15 years ago, she would like to see that printed in the Town Report again.
Peter Hopkins stated that he asked last year at town meeting for that to be printed in the town report this year
Discussion followed regarding tax deeding of properties
Gwynn Mitchell commented that she hopes we aren’t here in a year discussing these properties again; she would like to see this resolved
The Board of Selectmen all indicated there is not a chance; the Tax Collector will be aggressive about deeding the properties
Katherine Heck asked if it is not out of line she would like to go back to increase the interest paid on TAN’s to $6,000, the reason for this increase is as the interest rates are increasing there will be a higher rate of interest the Town will need to pay. She further commented that she just worked today to start the process for a TAN. The Board of Selectmen approved this increase.
Maryann Grant discussed the GIVers and how they started, where they have gone, and what they have for a vision.
Peter Hopkins responded that being the Emergency Management Director and speaking to other towns, Greenfield kept a daily report Greenfield, he wanted to report during the recent emergency there were 4 people they housed, everyone else pulled together and seemed to house their neighbors. We should be proud to live in a community where we really care about our neighbors during a crisis.
Lee LeBlanc thanked Matt Blanchard for doing a great job at the Recycle Center; she said all the staff at the Recycle Center are great workers.
With no further business, meeting adjourned at 9:30
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