Selectboard Minutes
Town of Greenfield
7 Sawmill Road, Greenfield, NH 03047
Selectboard’s Minutes
Thursday, April 22, 2021 – 5:30 PM
Selectboard: Chairman Robert Marshall, Selectman Michael Borden, Selectman Mason Parker
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator;
Public:
5:30 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 19th 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 Chair is at home and alone, the Town Administrator is in his office at home and is alone. Selectman Borden is in his home and is alone. Mr. Parker is at the Town Office 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.
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.”
5:30 PM: Selectboard Business Meeting
The Chair noted that the Consent Agenda has several items that require a vote. The Chair noted that the Emergency Order that allows for virtual meetings requires a roll-call vote for each item. Selectman Borden moved the Consent Agenda and the motion received a second by Selectman Parker. On a roll call vote the Board voted 3-0 in favor of accepting the Consent Agenda: Selectman Borden, Aye; Selectman Parker, Aye; Chairman Marshall, Aye.
The Chair stated that the Consent Agenda includes an A/P Check Manifest in the amount of $90,438.83. Selectman Borden made a motion to accept the A/P check manifest and to release the funds therein. Selectman Parker seconded the motion. On a roll-call vote, the Board voted 3-0 in favor: Selectman Borden, Aye; Selectman Parker, Aye; Chairman Marshall, Aye.
The Chair stated that the Selectboard has received an Abatement application for S1-29. The town’s Assessor has provided a detailed package of information and a letter of recommendation regarding the application. A discussion followed and Town Administrator Patt provided a synopsis of the Assessor’s finding and recommendation. The Assessor recommends that the Selectboard deny the application as the application does not provide supporting documentation for the owner’s opinion of value. The owners also contest a value for deeded access to Zephyr Lake, but the access is clearly defined in the deed. Selectman Borden made a motion to accept the Assessor’s recommendation and deny the application. Selectman Parker seconded the motion. On a roll-call vote, the Board voted 3-0 in favor: Selectman Borden, Aye; Selectman Parker, Aye; Chairman Marshall, Aye.
The Selectboard reviewed an application to rent the Meeting House for a piano recital. A discussion followed. It was noted that the application is for a private gathering. The recital is not open to the public. A question as to whether the Selectboard should recommend CDC regulations be in effect for the June recital was raised. A discussion followed regarding the May 7th timeline associated with the State’s conversion from Emergency Orders to best practices. The Chair noted that the Selectboard has the question of public health to consider. Health Officer Borden noted that the affair being private that the general public will not be in attendance in the building. Town Administrator Patt outlined the hold harmless clause in the agreement that protects the town from liabilities that might arise from the use of the building. At the conclusion of the discussion, Selectman Parker made a motion to approve the application and to recommend that CDC guidelines in effect at that future time be followed. Selectman Borden seconded the motion. On a roll-call vote, the Board voted 3-0 in favor: Selectman Borden, Aye; Selectman Parker, Aye; Chairman Marshall, Aye.
Next, the Selectboard reviewed the Minutes of 4/15/21. A brief discussion followed and amendments from the Chair and Selectman Parker were discussed. Selectman Borden made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Selectman Parker seconded the motion. On a roll-call vote, the Board voted 3-0 in favor of accepting the minutes as amended: Selectman Borden, Aye; Selectman Parker, Aye; Chairman Marshall, Aye.
The Chair stated that Town Meeting is around the corner, and suggested that the Board reach out to the Town Clerk and the Moderator to determine if there is any support that the Board can offer. Selectman Borden stated that a tent is not available from Monadnock Tent Company. He stated he knows of another tent company in Vermont and has requested information from them. He will send out the information if he receives it.
A discussion on Town Meeting was held. Treasurer Heck and Administrator Patt have offered to put together a budget overview hand-out similar to the slideshow that was provided at the last Town Meeting. The Board approved the offer.
Next the Board discussed sending out the Broadband EDDM, with the time, date, and location of the meeting to all residents in town. The Board approved the EDDM mailer noting that this is the second mailer for this purpose sent by the town explaining the background to the Broadband bond article. Selectman Borden made a motion to approve the mailing of the EDDM mailer outlining the benefits of the Broadband project. Selectman Parker seconded the motion. On a roll-call vote, the Board voted 3-0 in favor: Selectman Borden, Aye; Selectman Parker, Aye; Chairman Marshall, Aye.
A discussion followed on having signs printed for Town Meeting. Selectman Borden stated that he will contact a printing company and find out about pricing as there is one close to where he works. Selectman Parker stated that he would like to have a plan for the town to spend up to $250.00 for the signs. The Selectboard reached an agreement by consensus to provide a budget for signs to Oak Park for Town Meeting up to $250.00. There followed a discussion on parking and the set-up of the pavilion.
The Selectboard has confirmed a meeting with Town Counsel on Tuesday, April 27th at 2pm.
Selectman Parker asked for a report on capacity limitations in the Town Office Meeting Room and Town Clerk/Tax Collector waiting area from the Health Officer. Health Officer Borden stated that there is approximately 200 square feet of usable space in both locations. The Meeting Room needs to be reconfigured. There is another 500 square feet upstairs in the Planning Board meeting room. The Selectboard discussed how to reconfigure the spaces.
A brief discussion on the Selectboard’s Spirit article, written by Selectman Parker, was held. It was agreed to table the discussion until the next meeting.
Next the Selectboard discussed the process for hiring a new DPW Director. It was agreed that at the first meeting after Town Meeting the Board would review the job description and then determine the schedule for interviewing candidates. The Board would like to narrow the applicants to three finalists. The Board determined that each member should bring forward a list of questions and the Board will select three questions from each member for the interviews. The Board determined that a closing date of April 29th will allow interviews to schedule starting in early May. The posting for the position indicates ‘open until filled’.
Next, Selectman Borden provided the Board with his experience at the Town Office in Hillsborough dealing with a professional agitator. He explained how the Town Administrator dealt with the person. Selectman Borden stated he ultimately had to call the police to remove the person from the building. Selectman Borden made recommendations regarding the Greenfield Town Office.
The Chair noted that his Selectmen’s Advisory Committee meeting at ConVal was about to start.
There being no further business the Board voted to adjourn.
Adjournment
At 6:59 pm, Selectman Borden made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by the Selectman Parker. The motion carried 3-0 in a roll-call vote: Selectman Borden, Aye; Selectman Parker, Aye; Chairman Marshall, Aye.