Selectboard Minutes
Town of Greenfield
7 Sawmill Road, Greenfield, NH 03047
Selectboard’s Minutes
Thursday, July 01, 2021 – 5:30 PM
Selectboard: Chairman Robert Marshall, Selectman Michael Borden, Selectman Mason Parker
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator;
Public:
Documents for Discussion/Signature
- A/P Check Manifest dated 6/30/2021 in the amount of $71,976.26
- A/P “ACH” Check Register dated 6/26/2021 –NH Retirement
- New Hire Worksheet – Library PT
- Oak Park Rental – 8/29/21 Greenfield Democratic Committee
- Minutes of 6/24/2021
Other letters/ items for Discussion/Signature:
1. Fairpoint Abatement Settlement
2. 2021 First Half Tax Collections Summary
3. Resident letter RE: Oak Park
5:30 PM: Public Forum
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairman Marshall. Board members reviewed and signed the Consent Agenda documents. Selectman Parker stated that as there were no members of the public present, he would like the Board to know that a local family would like to donate soccer goals to the town for use at Oak Park. A discussion followed. It was agreed that the Board would place this item on their agenda for the July 15th meeting.
5:45PM: Selectboard Business Meeting
At 5:45pm, the Chair opened the public meeting and requested a motion on the Consent Agenda. Selectman Borden made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Selectman Parker seconded the motion. On a vote of 3-0, the motion was approved.
The Selectboard discussed the recreation survey in progress and agreed to put the survey on the agenda for July 15th for finalization. The Board agreed to target a September timeframe to have results tabulated for review.
Selectman Parker stated that the town has a need for volunteers. He asked what is the best way to reach out to people in town regarding open positions, and how can the Selectboard help educate residents on the role of different boards in town government. Should the Selectboard send a letter to resident in an EDDM, and/or, should the Selectboard write an article for the Greenfield Spirit? After a brief discussion, the Board agreed to an article in the Greenfield Spirit, August edition and will create an EDDM to help recruit volunteers for a recreation program in the coming months.
There followed a discussion about the different boards and committees in town and how the Selectboard could educate residents about the need to volunteer and fill critical positions. It was agreed that Selectman Parker would write a Greenfield Spirit article highlighting a specific Board or Committee, vital to town government, for each edition.
The Selectboard discussed the Broadband template agreement received from Consolidated Communications (CCI) and agreed that Town Counsel working with the Town Administrator and Broadband Coordinator should provide comments and changes and send to CCI.
A discussion on the Old Town Office followed. The discussion concluded with a request that Primex provide a facilities review of the building to help the Selectboard assess possible uses of the building now that Crotched Mountain is no longer renting the facility.
A discussion on the Meeting House was held. It was noted during the discussion that Underwood Engineering provided a proposal in early 2020 for engineering services related to the Meeting House restoration project. The Board requested that this report be forwarded to the Chair to share with the Friends of the Greenfield Community Meeting House (FGCMH). It was noted that the comment period for the Selectboard/FGCMH Meeting House survey was due to end on July 10th. Following that date, the Chair volunteered to gather the surveys and tabulate the results to be shared at the next meeting.
The Chair requested that a public hearing on the Wastewater Plant budget and rates be scheduled in the fall. He noted that with increased pumping costs, the most recent rate increase is not keeping pace with the expenses.
There followed a discussion on town facilities and possible solar installations. The discussion stemmed from possible changes in law for municipalities and school districts, which could come about this year.
The Chair noted that the Selectboard will be holding a workshop session to discuss a grant policy for the town. The Chair requested that the workshop be scheduled with Treasurer Katherine Heck. A target of July 20th is anticipated, depending on the Treasurer’s schedule.
There being no further business the Board voted to adjourn.
Adjournment
At 7:45 pm, Selectman Borden made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by the Selectman Parker. The motion carried 3-0.