Selectboard Minutes
Town of Greenfield
7 Sawmill Road, Greenfield, NH 03047
Selectboard’s Minutes
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 – 1:00 PM
Selectboard: Chairman Robert Marshall, Selectwoman Karen Day, Selectwoman Margaret Charig Bliss
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator
1:00 PM: Virtual Meeting Open – Dial In 1+717-275-8940
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm. Chairman Marshall welcomed everyone to the virtual Selectboard meeting. Chairman Marshall opened the meeting and read a statement provided by the Attorney General’s office regarding virtual meetings. “As Chair of the Selectboard, I find that due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with the Governor’s Emergency Order #12 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, which has been extended for the 9th time, this public body is authorized to meet virtually.
Please note that there is no physical location to observe and listen contemporaneously to this meeting, which was authorized pursuant to the Governor’s Emergency Order. However, in accordance with the Emergency Order, I am confirming that we are providing public access to the meeting by telephone. We are currently working on providing additional access possibilities by video or other electronic means, however, we are a small town and that is not feasible for tonight’s call.
We are utilizing Freeconference.com for this electronic meeting. All members of the Board have the ability to communicate contemporaneously during this meeting through this platform, and the public has access to contemporaneously listen and, if necessary, participate in this meeting through dialing the access number posted online or by following the directions on the Meeting Instructions link from the Selectboard’s page on the website. The Website address is greenfield-nh.gov.
We previously gave notice to the public of the necessary information for accessing the meeting, including how to access the meeting telephonically. If there are problems with access, please email the Town Administrator and he will attempt to help you in real time. In the event the public is unable to access the meeting, the meeting will be adjourned and rescheduled.
Please note that all votes that are taken during this meeting shall be done by roll-call vote.
Let’s start the meeting by taking a roll-call attendance. When each member states their presence, please also state whether there is anyone in the room with you during this meeting, which is required under the Right-to-Know law.
Each selectperson noted that they were alone. The Selectboard members are each home and alone, the Town Administrator is in his office at home and is alone.
The Chair stated: “at this point I would ask that everyone mute their phones by pressing * (star) 6 (six). If there isn’t time for your questions tonight, you can email the Town Administrator and request to be on the agenda during the next meeting. If you have technical difficulties on your end with your computer, laptop, or other electronic device email the Town Administrator if you having trouble connecting in real-time and we’ll try to be of help.
Gov. Sununu’s Emergency Order #16 has been lifted however, given the headlines where other States are pulling back from re-opening and the virus appears to be surging in many areas, there is a risk that the Selectboard cannot ignore. For the foreseeable future the Board will continue to meet by conference call as a result. We'll ask that - to the extent possible - you submit your questions/concerns/comments to the Town Administrator via email in advance so we can have answers ready. Remember to charge whatever device you are using in advance of the meeting. I can assure you everyone in your town government is doing everything in their capacity to ensure your safety, their safety and Greenfield's future. With that said, I would invite participants to bring issues before the Board.”
1:00 PM: Selectboard Business Meeting – Town Meeting Discussion
The Chair welcomed the Selectboard to the meeting. The meeting was opened at 1:03pm. A discussion on the 2021 budget was held. The Board members have received a Draft Town Warrant and a draft 2021 budget spreadsheet. The Board reviewed the Town Warrant and made corrections to the budget. The Board reviewed a Tax Rate Setting Worksheet that shows the projected tax impact of the draft budget. The Board discussed making cuts in the budget in the amount of $120,892 due to the difficulties presented by lower revenues in 2021. Revenues will be reduced in part due to the imminent closure of Crotched Mountain Foundation; the organization no longer rents the Old Town Office. The Board discussed cutting 5% from every budget. Several items were found and corrected. The result was a need to cut $78,324 from the budget. The Board discussed and agreed to a tax rate goal of $9.25 for the town. The Board reduced the Gravel Road warrant article, the Gravel Road Maintenance line item in DPW, and several other lines in the budget. At 4:15pm, the Board approved a budget with $9.25 potential tax impact.
There being no further business the Board voted to adjourn.
Adjournment
At 4:22 pm, Selectwoman Day made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by the Chair. The motion carried 3-0 in a roll-call vote.