Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Thursday – March 5, 2009 – 6:00 pm
Present: Chairman, Aaron Kullgren Selectman, Jarvis Adams, IV; Selectwoman, Karen Day
Minutes: Administrative Assistant, Deb Davidson
Call to order:
Appointments:
6:10 – Carbee - Present for this meeting were Mr. & Mrs. Carbee, Scott Carbee, Hunter Carbee, Attorney Bennett; Attorney Teague, Greenfield Tax Collector, Kathy Valliere
Attorney Bennett opened by discussing the recent time line for the Car bee’s and the fact they had a principal buyer, in which the negotiations included prices for Longblock & Carbee Corner, however the interested party has since stated they are not interested. The primary reason of the change of interest in the building is due to the age of the building.
Mr. Carbee had then contacted another potential buyer, however at this time is unable to move forward, consequently, there is no buyer at this time.
The property will be listed with Peterson’s Realty in Peterborough. They have not yet received an estimated price, they are moving forward with step three.
Kullgren asked how do we get taxes paid?
Attorney Bennett stated by the sale of the property is how taxes will be paid. Bennett further stated the Carbee’s rely on this property as their income, he further stated they don’t have a lot of other resources available. Discussion of attachments that had previously been discussed was reiterated.
Adams asked about the appraisal and that “the rumor on the street was that the offer and the appraisal were significantly different”.
Attorney Bennett stated that the price was a little higher than the appraised value, but he didn’t want to discuss this in a public meeting.
Adams stated the position of the Board is that this has been strung out a long time, and that this needs to be resolved. Adams further stated that originally the Board of Selectmen agreed to 30 days, it is currently well over 45 days. Adams also stated that the Tax Collector is prepared to deed without any directive from the Board of Selectmen.
Attorney Bennett agreed with this comment.
Adams asked if the town deeds it, can they then sell it at auction and get the funds owed them.
Bennett stated yes, but he doesn’t believe this is in the best interest of anyone.
Kullgren asked if there was any equity allowing for a mortgage from Mr. & Mrs. Carbee.
Bennett stated that is a possibility, again, he would rather not discuss their personal finances in a public forum, however, and he will discuss this with Attorney Teague in detail.
Adams stated that was an option 45 days ago, and they didn’t do the mortgage then, will they do it now.
Bennett stated they have been acting in good faith, they are moving forward and will continue to do so.
Scott Carbee stated that the taxes are going to be burdened on the one property.
Hunter Carbee stated they would like to get someone in to the building to get started with a business again also.
Kullgren stated he does not believe they are acting in good faith as, in good faith would mean paying something on the taxes each month, he further asked when the last time a tax payment was made.
Mr. Carbee stated that is a possibility; he can try to make an effort on a monthly payment basis.
Kullgren said in good faith, residents would like to see the taxes on this property paid.
Mr. Carbee stated that they would make a good faith effort.
Kullgren would like something completed before Town Meeting, he further asked exactly what type of payments will be made.
Mr. Carbee stated the payments would start, but they won’t be large enough to make a huge dent.
Bennett stated that in terms of the actual dollars would be discussed in this resolution. Bennett would like to discuss this with John Teague, they will discuss an initial payment that would begin first of May when the building oil bills go down. Then some sort of a monthly mortgage payment will be arranged.
Kullgren discussed he understands their not wanting to discuss this in public, but he wants them to know it will be discussed publicly at Town Meeting next Saturday, people are wanting to talk about the numbers in public and want answers.
Kullgren asked the audience if there were any questions
Resident, Gene Mitchell asked if anyone has gone to a financial institution to see what actually is available for financing. Mitchell further stated that rates are more attractive than they have been, if a mortgage could take place then the family could keep the property, and Town would receive their taxes.
Bennett stated the issue isn’t just equity, but income to pay the mortgage.
Attorney Bennett and Attorney Teague left the meeting and met in the Selectmen’s Office to discuss where this will go from here.
Discussion followed between the public and the Board
Adams discussed his thoughts about deeding this property and the benefits for everyone.
Maryann Grant asked if Kathy Valliere could explain the deeding process.
Kathy Valliere stated she sends out a notice to the tax payer, the notice then gives the taxpayer 45 days to take action, if no action is taken, then she deeds the property, the town then gets the funds upon the sale of the property. However, the property owner could send a letter right away requesting a 30 day right to repurchase, there is a 15% penalty if they choose to repurchase their property.
Attorney Teague & Bennett returned to the meeting at 6:48 – after the discussion between attorneys’s it was determined that both parties require the need to speak with their clients. Both attorneys’ have stated they clearly understand the urgency of this matter, by Monday they will have an acceptable proposal or no proposal will allow the Town to do what ever they have to do to move forward.
Adams commented that since the Tax Collector is going forward with a deed, it takes 45 days, wouldn’t it behoove the Town to still move forward. The very start of that act that in itself has repercussions.
Kathy Valliere asked how that would affect their credit anymore than the lien already does.
It is understood that by Monday there will be a decision.
Approval of minutes:
Minutes of 2/19/09, 2/26/09 Selectmen’s Meetings and Cavender Road hearing were accepted as written
Sign Documents:
Selectmen signed the following:
- A/P invoices & checks
- Payroll
- Oak Park Rental Agreement – 2009 B-B-Q – 8/22/09
- NEFTA – Bike Rally – Selectmen agreed to negotiate the rental price
Old Business:
New business:
Management strategies – Deb discussed the Town of Greenfield wrote several policies last year, she wanted the Board to know, they were all used in the 2008 Local Government Center Financial Policies manual as samples for smaller communities. She would like some clear directive as to what exactly the Board is looking for as far as a management plan. Discussion followed, it was decided to focus on financial structuring, increasing revenues and departmental accountability. Deb indicated she would work on these policies and procedures in 2009.
Vacation – Hire date vs. Yearly date – This was discussed, since the policies have changed to hire date, some employees will not have earned their vacation time until the end of the year. Discussion followed, Adams & Kullgren agreed that if an employee would like vacation time before it is earned, if the Board approves the time off, a contractual agreement would be signed allowing the employee to be aware that they would be granted the vacation and if they left employment before the time earned is not completely earned, the difference will be taken out of their last pay check.
Training courses – Deb reported that she is setting up courses for Departments Heads requiring supervisory skills, neighboring towns will be invited to join in the training. The courses will be taught by the Local Government Center and held at the Greenfield Town Offices. This will allow employees an opportunity to work towards the Leadership Course Certificate offered by the LGC.
Fire Victims Fund – Deb reported the account will be closed, there will be checks cut for the victims next week.
Parking Lot Lighting – Deb explained Matt has met with KA Electric and there are two options. The first option would be to put the light on the building, outside of the Town Clerk office; the wires need to be run through the building, it is more costly. No price was provided. The other option is to put the light over the Police entry door. There is already power there and the light would be positioned to light the
parking lot and the steps. The cost for this would be less than $1,000.00. Brief discussion followed. The Board would like two more prices. Deb will instruct Matt to seek two more bids. Also, Library Trustee, Maryann Grant asked if when electrician here could they look at the electrical box at the Library. This will also be included.
Recreation Committee – Deb mentioned there have been some concerns about the fact the Recreation Committee had put a lot of work into creating a job description for a Recreation Director, the Board has changed the position to a Coordinator. There has not been communication with the Committee and it has been brought to Deb’s attention some of the committee members feel slighted. She suggested the Board meet with them and discuss their reasoning for changing the position. Selectmen discussed this; they would like to meet with the Committee to clear this up. Options are invite them to the meeting Monday or Thursday, or Wed. at 7:00 – Deb was instructed to let the Committee know the Board of Selectmen will tentatively will be there on Wed.
Laptop – Deb discussed John Gryval has expressed an interest in using a laptop. We currently are not using the Recreation Laptop; Selectmen agreed the ZBA could use the Recreation Laptop for the time being. Deb will notify Mr. Gryval.
Adjournment: With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm. The next meeting will be Monday, March 9th, at 6:00 pm at which time the Board will vote on the agreement between the Carbee’s and the Town.
| 
