2007
TOWN MEETING
Town of Greenfield, N.H.
TOWN MEETING March 13, 2007
Meeting opened at 10:00 a.m. by Moderator Tom Mullins, who began by leading the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisor of the Checklist Linda Dodge read the checklist with 1,059 names. Moderator proceeded with Article 1, to elect Town Officers for the ensuing year, and to act upon proposed amendments by the Zoning Board, and to vote on articles on the ConVal School District warrant.
ARTICLE 1: To choose all necessary town officers for the year ensuing
SELECTMAN FOR THREE YEARS: Dario Carrara received 183 votes, Karen Day received 189 votes, therefore Karen Day elected for the ensuing three years.
SELECTMAN FOR ONE YEAR: Jarvis Adams IV received 266 votes, Paul R Cowled received 110 votes, therefore Jarvis Adams IV elected for the ensuing year.
TOWN TREASURER FOR ONE YEAR: Linda Nickerson received 353 votes, therefore elected for the ensuing year.
FIRE CHIEF FOR ONE YEAR: James Plourde received 361 votes, therefore elected for the ensuing year.
LIBRARY TRUSTEE FOR THREE YEARS: Michael Sparling received 338 votes, therefore elected for the ensuing three years.
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR THREE YEARS: Paul R Cowled received 150 votes, Bruce Dodge received 227 votes, Norman Nickerson received 211 votes, therefore Bruce Dodge and Norman Nickerson elected for the ensuing three years.
PLANNING BOARD FOR TWO YEARS: Gilbert Morris received 316 votes, therefore Gilbert Morris elected for the ensuing two years.
PLANNING BOARD FOR THREE YEARS: Michael Borden received 270 votes, Bob Jennings received 157 votes, Kevin O’Connell received 164 votes, therefore Michael Borden and Kevin O’Connell elected for the ensuing three years.
TRUSTEE OF TRUST FUNDS FOR ONE YEAR: Gilbert W Bliss received 330 votes, therefore elected for the ensuing year.
SUPERVISOR OF THE CHECKLIST FOR THREE YEARS: Bruce Dodge received 343 votes, therefore Bruce Dodge elected for the ensuing three years.
ConVal School District Ballot: (Town of Greenfield results only)
Question #1: YES = 136 NO = 247 Failed
Question #2: YES = 178 NO = 205 Failed
Question #3: YES = 182 NO = 203 Failed
Question #4: YES = 231 NO = 148 Passed
Question #5: YES = 295 NO = 86 Passed
Town Meeting was to reconvene on March 16, 2007, but due to severe weather was postponed for one week. Town Meeting reconvened on March 23, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. Moderator Tom Mullins opened the meeting with a review of the House Rules as follows:
1. There will be no smoking in the hall.
2. Unless otherwise stated before the meeting starts, we will follow the articles as printed
in the warrant.
3. The Moderator will read all articles; everyone has a right to hear what we are voting on
4. Anyone wishing to speak to an article will wait to be recognized, stand and state his/her
name.
5. Every article should have a fair hearing, therefore motion to pass over an article will not
be accepted.
6. Any person wishing to speak to an article a second time must wait until all those who
wish to speak have had a chance to speak.
7. Anyone proposing an amendment to an article must submit the amendment in writing.
8. Once we have voted on an article we will not reconsider.
9. The meeting is being recorded.
10. Please keep your comments directed to the article and address the chair, not back and
forth among individuals.
11. And last, if the Moderator has made a ruling that the assembly disagrees with they may
overturn his ruling with a majority vote.
Motion was made and seconded to amend rules #2, 5, and 8. Discussion followed regarding the legality of Article #20 and the impact of changing rule #8. Voice vote: amendment failed.
Motion made and seconded to amend only rule #2. Discussion followed regarding the exact meaning. Moderator declared that we would change the order as they arise and not move over an article (we would come back to it). Voice vote: motion passed.
Addresses to the body before continuing with the meeting:
Tom Welden - ConVal School Board Member – discussed the ConVal budget and district
voting results.
Myron Steere – Budget Committee Member – announced that the committee had a handout
available regarding the town budget.
Tom Mullins – Moderator – asked the incoming officers to remain after the meeting to be
sworn in.
Motion was made to change the order of articles, moving Article #10 to first order of business.
Motion passed.
Article 10: To see if the Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Two Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars ($295,000.00) for the purpose of purchasing a 2008 – Five man enclosed cab Fire Truck, fully equipped, meeting NFPA Standards; $280,250.00 (95%) to be derived from a Federally Funded Grant, $14,750.00 (5%) to be derived from taxation. This is contingent upon acceptance of the grant, without the grant funding there will be no expenditure. (Majority vote required)
Motion made by Fire Chief Jim Plourde to withdraw Article #10, as the grant was not received.
Voice vote – motion passed. Article #10 was withdrawn.
Article 2: To see if the Municipality will vote to authorize (50%) of the Land Use Change Tax revenue collected pursuant to RSA 79-A:25 to be deposited into the existing Conservation Fund in accordance with RSA 36-A:5, III, as authorized by RSA 79-A:25 II. If adopted this article shall take effect April 1, 2007, and shall remain in effect until altered or rescinded by a future vote of the town meeting. (Majority vote required)
Selectmen oppose the article. Janet Romanelli addressed the body to explain the Land Use Change Tax. Budget Committee oppose the article. There was much discussion, mostly opposing the article and asking for more data. Voice vote: Article failed. Request for a revote: Article still failed.
Article 3: To see if the Municipality will vote to accept the Class V upgrade of the Class VI portion of Muzzey Hill Road to be Class V and maintained by the Town, which is approximately a 700’ extension from the end of the current Class V portion of Muzzey Hill Road to the newly upgraded portion. The acceptance of this upgrade is conditional upon the Road Agent’s approval within one year following this vote. Upon acceptance by the Town and the Road Agent, the Town will begin maintenance when the Road Agent determines the road to be acceptable. (Majority vote required)
Selectmen addressed the body, as did Rhonda Cilley. Budget Committee has no opinion as it is not a financial issue. Duffy Fox said that the plan was followed, and there is no risk to the Town.
Voice vote: Article passed.
Article 4: To see if the Town will vote to reclassify Blanchard Hill Road from its intersection with Dunklee Hill Road to its intersection with Fletcher Farm Road to a Class A Trail in accordance with RSA 231-A. A Class A Trail is a full public right of way subject to public trail use restrictions. It may not be used for vehicular access to any new building, but it may be used by abutting landowners to provide access for agriculture and forestry and to any building existing prior to its designation as a Class A trail. The municipality shall bear no responsibility for maintaining the trail for such uses. (Submitted by Petition by the Greenfield Trails Association)
Denise Hopkins, representing the Trails Association, said that there is concern about erosion. The article would keep 4wheel drive vehicles off these roads. Voice vote: article passed.
Article 5: To see if the Town will vote to reclassify Dunklee Hill Road from its intersection with East Road to its intersection with Blanchard Hill Road to a Class A Trail in accordance with RSA 231-A. A Class A Trail is a full public right of way subject to public trail use restrictions. It may not be used for vehicular access to any new building, but it may be used by abutting landowners to provide access for agriculture and forestry and to any building existing prior to its designation as a Class A trail. The municipality shall bear no responsibility for maintaining the trail for such uses. (Submitted by Petition by the Greenfield Trails Association)
Denise Hopkins stated that this article is essentially the same as article 4, just involving a different road. Voice vote: article passed.
Article 6: To see if the Town will vote to reclassify Fletcher Farm Road from its intersection with Blanchard Hill Road to its intersection with the Class V portion of Fletcher Farm Road to a Class A Trail in accordance with RSA 231-A. A Class A Trail is a full public right of way subject to public trail use restrictions. It may not be used for vehicular access to any new building, but it may be used by abutting landowners to provide access for agriculture and forestry and to any building existing prior to its designation as a Class A trail. The municipality shall bear no responsibility for maintaining the trail for such uses. (Submitted by Petition by the Greenfield Trails Association)
Denise Hopkins again stated that this is an identical article, but effecting yet another road. Voice vote: article passed.
Article 7: To see if the Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for the purchase of a 2006 (Bob Cat Type) Skid Steer Loader; $12,500.00 (50%) to be derived from a grant from NH The Beautiful, $12,500.00 (50%) to be derived from taxation. This is contingent upon acceptance of the grant, without the grant funding there will be no expenditure. (Majority vote required)
Motion made to change the order of business to discuss Article 7 after Article 8. Voice vote: motion passed.
POINT OF ORDER RE: KEEPING THE ARTICLE NUMBERS AS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN~VOICE VOTE: PASSED
Article 8: Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of One Hundred Twenty-One Thousand, Nine Hundred Thirty-One Dollars ($121,931.00) to support the Recycling Center. Allocation as follows: Majority Vote required.
Advertising 300
Baling Supplies 1,000
Building Repairs/Maint. 1,200
Contract Services 45,500
Dues & Subscriptions 200
Education/Convention 75
Electricity 1,100
Equipment Maintenance 1,500
Forklift Propane 500
Gasoline 500
General Supplies 1,000
Hazardous Waste 2,100
Heating Fuel 500
Insurance – Dental 780
Insurance – Disability 450
Insurance – General Liab. 120
Insurance – Health 12,197
Insurance - Life 35
Loading Dock 8,000
Machinery/Equipment 200
Mileage 300
P/T Wages 4,322
Refrigerant Removal 400
Retirement 26
Small Tools 300
Storage Trailers 3,000
Supervisor Wages 29,826
Telephone 500
Tire Removal 500
Used Oil Collection Grant 2,500
Vehicle Repairs/Maint. 3,000
$121,931
Kent Vincent explained the budget details.
Motion made by the Board of Selectmen to amend Article 8.
“to amend the bottom line of the Recycle Center Operational Budget from One Hundred
Twenty One Thousand, Nine Hundred Thirty One Dollars ($121,931.00) to One Hundred Eighteen Thousand, Nine Hundred Thirty One Dollars ($118,931.00)
This amendment is removing the $3,000 for storage trailers that Frank had anticipated
receiving 50% of the funding for from grant money, it has been determined the grant will
not be awarded to Greenfield, therefore we withdraw that amount of funding.”
Voice vote: amendment failed. Back to original article.
Neal Brown of the Recycling Committee made a motion to amend Article 8.
“Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of One Hundred Twenty One Thousand, Nine Hundred Thirty Four Dollars ($121,934.00) to support the Recycling Center. Allocation as follows:”
Budget includes many details, specifically a reduction in 10 line items, and an increase in
man hours to operate the center. This would make Frank full-time at the center.
Discussion followed regarding the full-time details. Question: shouldn’t the position go out to bid?
If Frank goes to full time at the center only, this will leave a shortage of persons to do other jobs in the other town buildings. Shouldn’t we have a volunteer overseeing trash instead of paying someone? Discussion of plans for the future of the center and storage trailer clarification. Selectmen stated that the committee seems to be taking the lead on the budget, and they feel they should be working directly with the department head. Voice vote: amendment passed. Voice vote on article as amended: passed.
Article 7: To see if the Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for the purchase of a 2006 (Bob Cat Type) Skid Steer Loader; $12,500.00 (50%) to be derived from a grant from NH The Beautiful, $12,500.00 (50%) to be derived from taxation. This is contingent upon acceptance of the grant, without the grant funding there will be no expenditure. (Majority vote required)
Amendment proposed: “To see if the Municipality will vote to authorize the Selectmen to enter into a 5 year lease agreement in the amount of Twenty-Six Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($26,300.00) for the purpose of entering into a lease/purchase of a 2006 Bob Cat-type Skid-Steer Loader for the Recycling Center and further raise and appropriate the amount of $5,259.86 for the first year’s payment.” (Majority vote required)
Discussion regarding what the skid steer will do and requirements for operating, as well as the loading docks and general set up of Recycling Center. Amendment failed.
Back to original Article: Selectmen do not support this Article due to the lack of a Federal Grant. Voice vote: Article failed.
Article 9: To see if the Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Six Hundred Forty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Ninety-Nine Dollars ($642,699.00) to support the operation and maintenance of town property. Allocation as follows: (Majority vote required)
Ambulance $13,222
Building Inspector/Code Enf. 7,355
Cemeteries 11,588
Conservation 4,255
Elections/Registration 26,480
Executive 116,468
Financial Administration 60,352
General Government Buildings 52,420
Health Agencies 5,750
Insurance 21,657
Interest of Bonds 47,873
Interest on TAN 5,000
Legal Expenses 50,000
Other General Government 33,600
Patriotic Purposes 1,000
Payroll Expenses 33,829
Planning Board 17,755
Principal of Bonds 95,000
Regional Association Dues 3,045
Street Lighting 4,250
Welfare Administration 20,000
Zoning Board of Adjustment 11,800
$642,699
There was an amendment made by the Selectmen to correct the total amount for the town property budget to Six Hundred Forty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Ninety-Nine Dollars ($642,699.00) [amendment made due to an error in the printed version in the Town Report].
Voice vote: amendment passed.
There was discussion regarding auditors, litigation expenses, assessing firm expenses, and planning board budget for litigation.
An amendment was made “to amend the financial administration budget of $60,352.00 to $42,352.00, the $18,000.00 reduction to be accomplished by reducing the assessing services line item from $24,265.00 to $6,265.00. Discussion followed regarding the costs of Avitar and statistical updates. Voice vote: amendment failed.
Back to Original Article: There was discussion regarding specific financial topics, including TANS, interest on bonds, welfare administration, legal fees for the zoning board, and executive wages.
Voice vote on original article: article passed.
Article 10: To see if the Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Two Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars ($295,000.00) for the purpose of purchasing a 2008 – Five man enclosed cab Fire Truck, fully equipped, meeting NFPA Standards; $280,250.00 (95%) to be derived from a Federally Funded Grant, $14,750.00 (5%) to be derived from taxation. This is contingent upon acceptance of the grant, without the grant funding there will be no expenditure. (Majority vote required)
Article withdrawn earlier.
Article 11: To see if the Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Fourteen Thousand, Three Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($14,375.00) for the purchase of 30 pagers with chargers, cases & spare batteries, for the Fire Department. (Majority vote required)
Discussion regarding the total cost of new pagers, and could we stagger the purchase.
Amendment made “to see if the municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Seven Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($7,187.50) for the purchase of 15 pagers with chargers, cases and spare batteries for the Fire Department”. Voice vote: amendment failed.
Back to Original Article: Voice Vote: Article Passed.
Article 12: To see if the Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for the purchase of replacement hoses, for the Fire Department. (Majority vote required) There was no discussion. Voice vote: Article Passed.
Article 13: To see if the Municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Eighty One Thousand, Six Hundred Sixty-Four Dollars ($81,664.00) to support the Fire Department. Allocation as follows: (Majority vote required)
Building Repairs/Maint. $1,500
Chiefs Wages 1,750
Computer Support/Maint. 1,000
Custodial Services 3,068
Dues & Subscriptions 1,450
Electricity 4,250
Emergency Management 3,000
Equipment 2,000
Equipment Replacement 2,500
Expense Reimbursements 5,500
Fire Alarm System 550
Fire Prevention 550
Forest Fire Equipment 500
Forest Fire Reimbursements 550
Gasoline & Diesel Fuel 2,500
General Supplies 750
Heating Fuel 4,000
Insurance – General Liability 1,000
Insurance – Vehicle 2,900
Medical Supplies 2,650
Mutual Aid 12,326
Radio Repairs/Maint. 1,600
Telephone 2,200
Training Services 3,050
Uniform Allowance 1,000
Vehicle Repairs/Maint. 2,500
W.A. 06 – Rescue Vehicle 17,020
$81,664
Chief Plourde explained some of the details of the budget, including FCC licensing and emergency planning. No other discussion. Voice vote: Article passed.
Motion was made to consider Article #18 next. Motion failed.
Article 14: To see if the Municipality will vote to authorize the Selectmen to enter into a four-year lease agreement in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) for the purpose of entering into a lease/purchase for a 2007 Front-End Loader, fully equipped, for the Highway Department and to further raise and appropriate the amount of $33,477.00 for the first years payment. This lease agreement contains a municipal funding clause. (Majority vote required)
Motion made by Selectmen to amend as follows: “To see if the municipality will vote to authorize the Selectmen to enter into a five year lease agreement in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) for the purpose of entering into a lease/purchase for a 2007 front-end loader, fully equipped, for the highway department and to further authorize the first year’s payment to be made utilizing the $12,000.00 trade in of the old loader. This lease agreement contains a municipal funding clause.”
Voice vote: Amendment passed. Vote on Article as amended: passed.
Article 15: To see if the municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of
Six Hundred Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Sixty-Nine Dollars ($608,569.00) to support the Highway Department. Allocation as follows: (Majority vote required)
Advertising $ 575
Blasting 1,000
Building Repairs/Maint. 4,000
Calcium Chloride – Summer 5,000
Computer Support/Maint. 1,000
Drainage Material 10,500
Drug/Alcohol Testing 550
Dues & Subscriptions 250
Education/Conventions 300
Electricity 2,750
Equipment Rental 10,000
Fire Alarm System 450
F/T Wages 99,508
Gasoline & Diesel Fuel 30,000
General Supplies 525
Gravel/Processing 23,000
Heating Fuel 5,500
Insurance – Dental 3,300
Insurance – Disability 1,860
Insurance – Health 46,960
Insurance - Life 150
Insurance – Vehicle 2,700
Mileage 50
O/T Wages 14,927
Protective Clothing 1,000
Public Works – P/T Wages 1,836
Retirement 12,695
Road Reconstruction 88,000
Salt & Sand 18,500
Sealing & Tarring 58,080
Small Tools 1,450
Street Signs 750
Supervisor Salary 48,854
Telephone 1,250
Vehicle Repairs/Maintenance 27,000
WA #5 – ’03 Grader 25,269
WA #6 – ’03 Trackless 10,243
WA #4 – ’05 Dump Truck 27,243
WA #2 – ’07 Dump Truck 20,044
Welding Supplies 1,000
Wetlands Engineer 500
$608,569
Amendment made by the Budget Committee “To see if the municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand Five Hundred Sixty-Nine Dollars ($553,569.00) to support the Highway Department. Allocation as follows: (Majority vote required.)
Advertising $ 575
Blasting 1,000
Building Repairs/Maint. 4,000
Calcium Chloride – Summer 5,000
Computer Support/Maint. 1,000
Drainage Material 8,500*
Drug/Alcohol Testing 550
Dues & Subscriptions 250
Education/Conventions 300
Electricity 2,750
Equipment Rental 8,000*
Fire Alarm System 450
F/T Wages 99,508
Gasoline & Diesel Fuel 30,000
General Supplies 525
Gravel/Processing 20,000*
Heating Fuel 5,500
Insurance – Dental 3,300
Insurance – Disability 1,860
Insurance – Health 46,960
Insurance - Life 150
Insurance – Vehicle 2,700
Mileage 50
O/T Wages 14,927
Protective Clothing 1,000
Public Works – P/T Wages 1,836
Retirement 12,695
Road Reconstruction 70,000*
Salt & Sand 18,500
Sealing & Tarring 28,080*
Small Tools 1,450
Street Signs 750
Supervisor Salary 48,854
Telephone 1,250
Vehicle Repairs/Maintenance 27,000
WA #5 – ’03 Grader 25,269
WA #6 – ’03 Trackless 10,243
WA #4 – ’05 Dump Truck 27,243
WA #2 – ’07 Dump Truck 20,044
Welding Supplies 1,000
Wetlands Engineer 500
$553,569
* indicates the line items changed – total reduction is Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($55,000.00)
A vote by paper ballot was requested for this amendment. YES = 73 NO = 39 Amendment passed. Voice vote: Article passed as amended.
Article 16: To see if the municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Seventy Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Sixty-Six Dollars ($73,866.00) to support the Stephenson Memorial Library. Allocation as follows: (Majority Vote required).
Books & Periodicals 6,000
Building Repairs/Maint. 2,100
Computer Software 500
Computer Support/Maint. 1,000
Dues & Professional Exp. 300
Education/Conventions 300
Electricity 2,705
Fire/Security System 2,500
General Supplies & Postage 1,000
Heating Fuel 4,000
Mileage 200
P/T Wages 49,961
Programs/Entertainment 500
Sewer Fees 600
Telephone 2,200
$73,866
There was discussion regarding the telephone costs, specifically why it was so high. Some of the costs are due to having a dedicated phone line for the fire detection system, some for the internet connections.
Amendment was made “to see if the municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Sixty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($68,319.00) to support the Stephenson Memorial Library (majority vote required) Allocation as follows:
Books & Periodicals 5500*
Building Repairs/Maint. 2,100
Computer Software 250*
Computer Support/Maint. 500*
Dues & Professional Exp. 300
Education/Conventions 300
Electricity 2,705
Fire/Security System 2,500
General Supplies & Postage 1,000
Heating Fuel 4,000
Mileage 110*
P/T Wages 45,854*
Programs/Entertainment 400*
Sewer Fees 600
Telephone 2,200
$68,319
[ * indicates line items changed – total reduction is $5,547.00 ]
Voice vote: amendment passed. Request for a hand vote: YES = 50 NO = 42. Amendment passed. Voice vote: Article passed as amended.
Article 17: To see if the municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Forty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred Ninety-Eight Dollars ($48,698.00) to support the Parks & Recreation Department. Allocation as follows: (Majority Vote required).
Activities $1,000
Advertising 250
Building Repair/Maint. 1,000
Computer Software 30
Computer Support/Maint. 375
Contract Services 2,553
Dues 70
Electricity 1,200
Fire Alarm System 450
Garden Supplies 1,000
General Supplies 400
Grounds Maint. 2,000
Groundskeeper 7,300
Heat (Propane) 1,300
Lifeguard Wages 6,213
Mileage 350
Oak Park Repairs 200
Other Wages 2,100
Supervisor Wages 19,514
Telephone 1,393
$48,698
Molly Anfuso discussed the fact that her budget proposal is down 11.9% this year. She also said that she is going to a class to become certified in playground inspection.
Jarvis Adams IV, incoming Selectman, asked if we really need a Recreation Director. He made a motion to amend Article #17 to delete the line item of supervisor wages (“to raise and appropriate a sum of Twenty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Four Dollars ($29,184.00) for the Parks & Recreation Department”. A paper ballot vote was requested.
Question to vote on: Do we need a Recreation Director?
Paper ballot vote: YES = 82 NO = 15. Amendment failed.
Back to original article: Voice vote: Article passed.
Article 18: To see if the municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of One Hundred Ninety-Nine Thousand, Seven Hundred Fifty-Seven Dollars ($199,757.00) to support the Police Department. Allocation as follows: (Majority Vote required).
Chiefs Salary 53,724
Computer 2,000
Equipment 1,000
F/T Wages 41,627
Gasoline 5,500
General Supplies 1,500
Insurance – Dental 1,733
Insurance – Disability 1,182
Insurance – General Liability 5,500
Insurance – Health 22,565
Insurance- Life 75
Insurance – Vehicle 1,026
Mutual Aid 9,742
O/T Wages 2,000
P/T Wages 16,995
Personal Equipment 4,000
Postage 200
Radio Repair/Maint 350
Retirement 10,475
Telephone 3,000
Training Service 1,500
Vehicle Repair/Maint. 3,000
W.A. #7 – ’03 Cruiser 4,993
W.A. #7 – ’05 Cruiser 6,070
$199,757
Chief Giammarino explained a few details about this budget. The Selectmen added that this is the last year of paying for the 2003 cruiser.
No other discussion. Voice vote: Article passed.
Article 19: To see if the town will go on record in support of effective actions by the President and the Congress to address the issue of climate change which is increasingly harmful to the environment and economy of New Hampshire and to the future well being of the people of Greenfield.
These actions include:
1. Establishment of a national program requiring reductions of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions while protecting the U.S. economy.
2. Creation of a major national research initiative to foster rapid development of sustainable energy technologies thereby stimulating new jobs and investment.
In addition, the Town of Greenfield encourages New Hampshire citizens to work for emission reductions within their communities, and we ask our Selectmen to consider the appointment of a voluntary energy committee to recommend local steps to save energy and reduce emissions.
The record of the vote on this article shall be transmitted to the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, to the President of the United States, and to declared candidates for those offices. (Submitted by Petition - Majority vote required).
Motion was made to amend as follows: “The Town of Greenfield agrees to adopt NH RSA 72:61-72 which exempts the assessed value of solar energy systems, wind powered energy systems, and central wood heating energy systems from property tax assessment.”
Voice vote: amendment passed. Voice vote on Article as amended: Article passed.
Article 20: We the undersigned residents of the Town of Greenfield, New Hampshire provide the petition warrant article below for consideration at the March, 2007 Town Meeting. The reason for this article is based on the seeming inability of elected and hired Town officials and employees to administer the Town functions within a reasonable level of spending that the residents and businesses in the Town can be expected to support in property taxes.
To see if the Town will vote to maintain the overall Town operating budget for 2007 at a level not to exceed five percent (5%) below the 2006 Town expense budget. This would limit overall Town spending to $1,693,613 ($1,761,698 less 5%) (Submitted by Petition – Majority vote required).
Motion was made to amend the Article to read: “To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to maintain overall Town operations for 2007 at net spending levels (expenses less income) five percent (5%) below the 2006 Town amount to be raised by taxes.”
Discussion: it is the opinion of Town Counsel that the Article as written is not legal.
Bob Marshall addressed the body with a moving oration regarding the atmosphere of town business discussions, saying that he feels a sense of animosity between committees and employees as well as taxpayers, and a lack of a feeling of community in the town in general.
Amendment was then withdrawn by the movant with agreement of the second.
Voice vote: Article failed.
Article 21: To transact any other business that may legally come before this meeting.
Moderator Tom Mullins addressed the body to thank the outgoing Selectmen (Conrad Dumas and George Rainier) for their years of service. There was a round of applause and a standing ovation for the two.
Proposed: “to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to appoint a study committee of seven to nine residents to include members from the Budget Advisory Committee, Conservation Committee, Planning Board and other committees or Town employees as they deem appropriate. The appointed study committee to research and review alternatives to rebuilding and maintaining Town roads and to report at the next Town Meeting on their findings to include the various alternatives, costs and recommendations.” Voice vote: proposal failed.
Town office hours were addressed but referred to the Board of Selectmen.
Proposed by Kent Vincent: “To see if the municipality will vote to authorize and direct the Selectmen to continue with a twenty-five (25) year lease with the Greenfield Congregational Covenant Church beginning on the first day of April 2009. The financial arrangement of this lease shall be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen every five (5) years thereafter. The specified lease cited is the last lease agreed to (verbally or otherwise) between the Selectmen and the Greenfield Congregational Covenant Church preceding March 14, 2006. Review of the “financial arrangement” shall refer to negotiating a new rent for each succeeding 5-year period. Such rent shall not exceed 100% of the previous rent unless mutually
agreed upon by both parties. (Majority vote required.)
[NOTE: the bolded words are an exact quote from Article 12, moved, fully discussed, and
(approved) in 2006 Town Meeting. The original 2006 Article also had the phrase “Selectmen
support this article “ appended.
Voice vote: Article passed.
Propose that the Town adopt Saturday as the day for the Town Meeting at 9:00 AM and
the Greenfield Elementary School as the meeting place. Discussion. Amended to take
place at the Greenfield Meeting House. Voice vote: Article passed.
With no other business to come before the body, Moderator closed the meeting at 1:15 AM.
Submitted by:
Edith P. Sleeper, Town Clerk
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