Minutes
Town of Greenfield
Greenfield Town Offices, 7 Sawmill Road Greenfield, NH
Selectboard’s Work Session Minutes
Wednesday, April 01, 2015 – 4:30 PM
Selectboard: Chairwoman Selectwoman Karen Day, Selectwoman Margaret Charig Bliss, Selectman Stephen Atherton Jr.
Staff: Administrator Patt, Fire Warden Jim Morris
Public: Chaz Babb, Joel Boutin
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM by Chairwoman Karen Day
Documents for Approval/Review/Signature
The Selectboard reviewed and/or signed the following items:
A. A/P Invoices B. A/P Checks C. Wastewater Checks D. Dept. of Labor – Safety Inspection Report update E. Letter from Counsel: Teng vs. Town of Greenfield F. Hancock resident letter re: Exemplary Police Officer G. People’s Bank signature file card H. Meeting House rental I. Avitar Abatement recommendation: R4-3 J. Avitar Abatement recommendation: NNETO/Fairpoint K. Primex CAP program: Workers Comp. & Property and Liability
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5:00 PM: Driscoll Road Walkthrough
At 5:00 PM the Selectboard met on Driscoll Road for a walkthrough of the road. Measurements were taken in several key areas; bridges and water crossings were noted and discussed; the Board drove to the turn-around across from the Martus residence, and the turn-around noted in the Town Meeting warrant article; past the Martus residence. At 5:45 the Board returned to the Town Office building.
6:00 PM: Jim Morris, Fire Warden
At 6:05 PM the Board met with Jim Morris, Fire Warden. Mr. Morris brought forward several configurations of vehicles that he had researched regarding the purchasing of a new brush truck. In addition to new vehicles ranging from a Ford F450 & Ford F550, a purpose built brush truck was included in the research. All of these trucks were well beyond the ability of the Fire Warden or the Fire Department’s budget capability. Mr. Morris said that he had found a used truck that he felt would be a workable solution. The cost of the used truck was $12,000. A discussion followed regarding use of the Forest Fire Warden Reimbursement Savings account in conjunction with some funds from the Fire/Rescue Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund. The Board delayed decision on using the reimbursement fund pending further research into the
Town’s ability to use these funds in to purchase a truck.
6:30 PM: Richard Griffing, Resident
The Board welcomed Richard Griffing to the meeting. Mr. Griffing asked if the Board would be willing to enter into a non-public meeting so that he could discuss a personal financial matter that involved his taxes. On a roll call vote the Board, on a motion by the Chair and a second by Selectwoman Charig Bliss, voted to enter into non-public session 3-0. At 6:55 PM the Board voted 3-0 to enter into public session. It was noted that no decisions had been made and no votes taken on the presentation by Mr. Griffing. The Board voted to seal the minutes.
7:00 PM Carl Weber, Primex
At 7:00 pm Carl Weber of Primex joined the Board. Mr. Weber outlined the Town’s relationship with Primex. Primex is the risk management company that provides property and liability insurance and workers compensation insurance for the Town. Mr. Weber said that Primex is interested in helping the Board as the board members work toward hiring a new DPW Manager. Mr. Weber explained that one of the areas with the highest levels of risk for municipalities is in the hiring of department head level personnel. He further explained that if a municipality does not have the tools or the good fortune to hire someone that is a good fit with the town, the cost of a poor relationship over time can cost the town a lot more than just the employee’s salary. Primex has a program to help selectboards work through the hiring process. Mr.
Weber outlined some of the technical features of the program. A discussion followed regarding the Board’s process for selecting a person for the position. Mr. Weber outlined the need for the Board to have an initial conversation to cement their expectations and outline their goals.
After Mr. Weber left the meeting the Selectboard reviewed the applications for the DPW Manager position. There were 11 candidates. Within a short period of time the Board put eight applicants aside; determining that some or most of the basic requirements were not met. The Board retained three applications. It was determined that the Board should have Primex facilitate a meeting with the Board to help indentify common goals and expectations; the goal being to help the Board work through the process in an efficient and timely manner. The decision was made to continue to advertise the position and to expand the advertising footprint with some additional help wanted outlets (newspapers and online).
Adjournment
On a motion by the Chair, and a second by Selectwoman Charig Bliss, the Board voted to adjourn. The motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.
The minutes are final when approved and signed by the Selectboard. A signed copy is on file in the Selectboard’s office.
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Chair, Karen Day Margaret Charig Bliss, Selectwoman Stephen Atherton Jr., Selectman
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