Town of Greenfield
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Thursday – July 9, 2009 – 6:00 pm
Present: Chairwoman, Karen Day; Selectman, Jarvis Adams, IV; Selectman, Aaron Kullgren,
Minutes: Administrative Assistant, Debra Davidson
Call to order: Chairwoman Day called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm
Appointments:
6:45 – Catriona Beck & Claudia Chase – Ms. Beck & Ms. Chase were present to discuss the impact of the recent State budget cuts with regards to small towns. Ms. Beck explained she sits on the Executive Committee and Ms. Chase sits on the Election Laws Committee. They both explained their positions on these committees and how they work into Legislature.
Chase explained the Board of Medicine audit was recently completed. They both have very little say on the budget as they are not on the finance committee, the budget comes before the Legislature and it is put to vote.
They were here today to report what they know and not to defend anything. They commented that what we lose in revenue would be made up in stimulus funds. The County Budget had a 2% surplus; therefore they will give it back to the towns.
Kullgren stated he would like to see things better presented to the towns so they are more aware of what funds we would be receiving in a realistic manner.
Ms. Chase stated the stimulus funds are supposed to offset the school budgets.
Ms. Beck responded to Kullgren’s comments by stating things have changed somewhat but she is not able to give any specifics. In September the Towns should be receiving the stimulus funds. She is not sure how the funds will be given to the towns if through school or through the state directly.
Beck suggested we contact the Department of Revenue Administration to obtain the exact figures of what we are losing and what we are gaining. Deb was instructed to contact Sandra Rourke, of the DRA and see how the stimulus is really going to affect Greenfield.
Ms. Chase discussed the stimulus funding and bridge repairs. Administrative Assistant will get together the bridge list and apply for the funds on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) website. There are several bridges that need repair; Joe Ellis should have the list.
Discussion followed.
Selectmen thanked both Ms. Chase & Ms. Beck for attending this meeting. All are in agreement to reschedule a meeting later, perhaps in the fall, to include all four towns they represent.
Kullgren stated he would like to have the Finance Chair attend a meeting to speak to the budget.
Ms. Beck suggested Peter Lieshman would be the best contact at this point, as he is close by. Mr. Lieshman is in Peterborough. Kullgren asked Administrative Assistant to contact Mr. Lieshman to determine if we are we getting our 2009 Highway Block money for sure.
7:00 – Michael Therrian, Don Shumway – Community Development Block Grant Application – Mr. Shumway thanked the board for allowing this presentation. Mr. Shumway stated that the communication between the Board and Crotched Mountain has been wonderful; Shumway further explained the prior CDBG funds have gone towards a Waste Water project, as well as the improvements to the old town office. This application is a repeat of work they have been doing for more than a year. Last year they received the Planning Board and Zoning Board approval for a 26-unit housing project, when economics changed work was postponed and now they are reapplying for a new CDBG.
The project will be workforce housing, providing support to the clients, lowering costs of the work the Mountain does. This is a $6,000,000.00 project; the Block Grant is for $500,000. Currently completed are the Heating Plant, Waste Water Facility and all utilities, the site itself needs some excavation work.
Adams asked about a public hearing on this matter.
Shumway explained there is a Public Hearing on the 23rd at 7:00; this CDBG will be discussed, as well as the annual update on the previous CDBG.
Adams asked if this would be taxable property, whereas it is work force property.
Shumway stated he would certainly maintain a good working relationship and in accordance with current PILOT agreement there is verbiage that refers to major improvements that allows the Town and CMRC to adjust the PILOT. This will be part of the same non-profit organization and he would ask that all terms of financial support towards the Town be considered a PILOT, he does not see this as problematic to revisit.
Selectmen discussed Mr. Therrian’s recent letter asking for advisement as to option A or B for the improvements of the old town office. Mr. Therrian expressed he would prefer option B, which meets the requirements as far as budgetary purposes.
Motion by Kullgren to approve option B of said letter dated June 5, 2009, from Crotched Mountain requesting a Wheelchair Lift be installed at the Old Town Office, exterior painting of the building, window replacement, roofing and a new oil tank be installed. This motion was seconded by Day & Adams. No discussion followed. Voted: Affirmatively 3-0
Decision: Option B was approved and the project will to continue forward.
The Board would like to have an opinion from Avitar as to the status of impact of the project to the town.
7:30 – Rec. Coordinator, Stephanie Lamothe – Mrs. Lamothe discussed some programs she is getting up and running, those being:
- Knitting course – Thursdays at 6:00 pm, $20.00 per person
- Boston bus trip – August 14 - $23.00 per person
- Yard sale – Community Tag sale – Register with Stephanie, she puts your address on a map, and then you are able to go around to all the different tag sales. Offer tables at the Meeting House for $10.00
- Community picnic – August 7– 12:00 – 4:00 at Oak Park – bring picnic lunches, enjoy family, fun and friends
- Youth Meeting - August 3, at 6:00 pm at the Town Office. Would give teens an opportunity to get involved and express what they would like to see happen in town. Ages 11-17
- Soccer – Melissa Ross would like to start soccer for children 4-7 years old. Ideas for fees were discussed. A small cost to get it started up, would like to offset costs with sponsorship and/or fundraisers.
Discussed placing vending machines at Sunset Lake to relieve the lifeguards of having to man the concessions.
Stephanie stated she is very excited looking for feedback –
Joe Ellis asked about the rocks down by the burm at the beach and if they should be removed – Deb will get back to him, not sure about this at this time.
8:00 – David Plourde; ConCom Chair, Carol Irvine; Highway Representative, Joe Ellis –
Mr. Plourde opened by stating he lives on Dunklee Hill Road, he is concerned about a beaver dam the Highway Department recently destroyed. The beaver dam is on the property of Leonard Boutin, there was never permission granted by the property owner to remove this dam.
Mr. Plourde further stated he would like to see the water level kept higher than it currently is, it is his opinion the water level is no way at a reasonable level, and in no way a threat to the safety of the road. Shortly after snowmelt it was high, it was then brought down to a reasonable level, a few weeks ago when the highway crew elected to knock it down again, they dug it deep and brought the wetland down to unreasonable level.
Adams asked if the beavers are active right now
Plourde said not right now, there doesn’t seem to be any activity, but they might come back.
Chairwoman Day stated she would like to see in the future, being good neighbors, getting permission in writing by the landowner and having the landowner present before anything is done to a wetland.
Kullgren asked what if a property owner is not present or available to give permission.
A memorandum of understanding could be written as to what would be allowed in the event a landowner isn’t available.
Carol Irvine would like the ConCom to be notified when the Highway intends to do this type of work. They are the stewards of the wetlands and would appreciate notification.
Mr. Plourde stated that is acceptable to him. If all effort is made to notify abutters, no response with in 24 hours then they are authorized to lower the level to an agreed level.
Deb was instructed to write up a letter of understanding.
8:30 – Joe Ellis – DPW position - Ellis wants to be clear as to what is going on within the Highway Department, who is in charge? He further noted that if he is in charge, what are his boundaries?
Kullgren asked how did Duffy leave it with the three of them?
Ellis stated Duffy handed him the keys and said good luck, he told Jeff and Gabe that he hoped the BOS would give him (Ellis) a chance to be in charge.
Kullgren reiterated that Ellis had come to the Board and stated he thought the current crew could run the department through the year. Could they work with three full timers and 2 part-timers in the winter months?
Ellis responded that yes it will; basically they need a full time person for the other routes, a part-time person to take care of sidewalks, shovel buildings. The fourth person could be a full time person only for winter months.
Kullgren asked how many hours/year does he need for these positions?
Ellis stated approximately 800 hours for the winter months, having more help would help out with the current crew not having to also do repairs after they have plowed all night.
8:00 pm - In accordance with RSA 91A:3 II (a) (personnel matter) motion by Kullgren to enter into non-public to discuss a personnel matter. Seconded by Day & Adams.
Motion by Kullgren to enter out of non-public at 9:16 pm – Seconded Day and Adams.
Decision: To authorize Joe Ellis to be the acting Forman of the DPW until October 15th, with a wage increase to $18.00/hour for the interim time period. As a discussion Kullgren stated to advertise the position in August, interview in September and hire in October. Mr. Ellis can apply for the position when it is advertised in August.
Voted: Kullgren abstained; Adams Yes; Day Yes. (2- yes; one abstention)
The Board will meet with Ellis in two weeks to discuss how things are going.
9:48 – Gene Mitchell – Mr. Mitchell was not on the agenda, however he wanted to discuss that his attorney made a comment that the ZBA has denied his rehearing. However, he has concerns the ZBA has not properly posted meetings and have no minutes of this decision. Mitchell stated upon checking town expenditures, to date there is $3,000 spent from the ZBA budget in legal fees, no other expenses for the ZBA, Mitchell asked why is this continuing and wondered why the ZBA won’t rehear the case. Mitchell further commented that it is his opinion this is wasting town funds.
Selectmen thanked Mitchell for his comments
10:00 pm – In accordance with RSA 91A:3 II (d) (consideration of acquisition of real property) motion by Adams to enter into a non-public session. Seconded by Day & Kullgren. Voted 3-0
10:20 pm – Selectmen Adams motioned to enter out of the non-public session. Seconded by Day & Kullgren.
Decision: Attorney Teague will be notified, Selectmen will request a certified bank check for $20,000.00 no later than Monday and a notarized, fully executed forbearance agreement to be signed no later than Friday. All stipulations of the forbearance agreement are to be followed or the property in question will be deeded.
Approval of minutes:
Selectmen approved the June 25, 2009 minutes as written
Sign Documents:
Accounts Payable invoices
Payroll
CDBG application for an extension
Old Business:
David Buxton – Re: Kiln – Kullgren wants to know how this will be assessed, if it is assessed at 100% as a building, is there any wiggle room for adjustment of assessment. Is it correct that while working as a kiln it would be assessed at 50%, if a change of use were to occur, it will be assessed at a higher rate. Deb was instructed to call Stoddard and see how they assess their dry kiln.
FEMA status – Selectmen reviewed a memo from Catherine Shaw regarding FEMA. Discussion followed
ComCast – Deb has contacted ComCast, they will be sending a representative to speak to the Board – no date set as of yet – will remain on the agenda until the representative meets with the Board.
Postage Meter – Deb reported Catherine Shaw had contacted the representative Karen Day had recommended, he wouldn’t be able to get his information to the Town of Greenfield for several weeks.
Insulation bids – Bragdon, $21,000; More Tite, $22,942; JA Jubb $19,720 - Discussion followed regarding whether to insulate or convert the boiler. Selectmen would like to meet with the Energy Committee next meeting to discuss their thoughts. Jarvis would like to go visit some places where these businesses have insulated.
Infrared inspections – Deb is going to meet with Mark Banks to do an inspection on the Library & Meeting House in August. Joe Ellis asked if we could also include Fire Station & DPW shed. Kullgren asked about funds for this, Deb replied there are the funds in the CRF for the general building maintenance. Discussion followed – the Fire Station & DPW shed will not be included at this time.
New business:
Selectmen reviewed the incoming mail
Road Complaints – Deb reported there have been two road complaints, residents stating that the roads are in awful shape and wondering when will they be repaired and/or graded. Sue Bonner had concerns about Mountain Road; Paul Haupt-Renaud concerned about Cornwell Road. Joe Ellis stated he would go look at these roads, but residents should keep in mind this has been an unusually wet spring.
Plaque at Meeting House – Deb was asking on behalf of Matt Blanchard, if Matt’s mother could have the plaque that speaks of a donation of a sound system in the Church. This was presented to her father, Mac Moses and she would like to have the plaque, as it most likely holds no sentimental value except to her. Selectmen approved this request 3-0.
Correctional Program – Deb reported the correctional workers will be in town the week of 7/13/09 – there are several projects planned. Kullgren asked if they could put up the vinyl siding on the shed at Oak Park, Deb would contact John Hopkins to see what is involved.
Advertising – Monadnock Ledger asked if the Board would support an ad for the Fire Departments 100th Anniversary. Discussion followed, Selectmen will support a business card sized advertisement.
Beaches – Deb reported swimming lessons are going well, after a rough start, everything has worked out. The raft should be installed by Sunday.
Memos –
- Gagnon Landscapes – Deb reported that Jeremy stopped in and discussed the invoice for “extras”; he said to disregard the invoice, as he should have discussed this with the board prior to doing the work. Selectmen stated they appreciated this gesture.
- Heating Fuel – Deb explained this memo discussing the overage on heating fuel expenditures. This is a result of paying one price during the months of January through April, then prepaying for a full-year. Allen & Mathewson will be contacted, the office will see if they will refund the difference, and allow us to pay in Jan. This will keep the budgets at the correct amount budgeted.
Keys – Selectman Adams asked Deb to have the sanctuary lock changed in the sanctuary and to then have 4 single keys made.
Adjournment: With no further business Selectmen adjourned the meeting at 10:35 pm. The next Selectmen’s Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 6:00 pm.
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