Selectboard Minutes
Town of Greenfield
7 Sawmill Road, Greenfield, NH 03047
Selectboard’s Minutes
Thursday, July 15, 2021 – 5:30 PM
Selectboard: Chairman Robert Marshall, Selectman Michael Borden, Selectman Mason Parker
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator; James Morris, DPW Director
Public: Andrew Heck; Kayla Kokal
Documents for Discussion/Signature
- A/P Check Manifest dated 7/08/2021 in the amount of $283,034.06
- A/P Check Manifest dated 7/14/2021 in the amount of $38,206.51
- Payroll Check Manifest dated 7/09/2021 in the amount of $39,122.68
- Employee Health Insurance Co-Pay Worksheet – ’21-‘22
- Oak Park Rental –Private Rental 8/01/2021
- Minutes of 7/01/2021
Other letters/ items for Discussion/Signature:
1. Meeting House Survey Results
2. ARPA Terms Agreement & Title VI Certification
3. Recreation Survey - Draft
5:30 PM: Public Forum
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairman Marshall. Resident Andrew Heck joined the meeting and was welcomed by the Selectboard to the public forum. Mr. Heck outlined a discussion in the wider community regarding a potential petition to the Selectboard about zoning violations that are occurring town-wide. The violations of zoning are based on Section IV, G -Unregistered Vehicles, and, Section IV, Q -Unregistered Trailers and Storage Containers. Mr. Heck stated that residents want to urge the Selectboard to be vigilant and enforce the ordinance. Mr. Heck stated that he felt that it would be helpful to bring the issue forward in a conversation with the Board so that the Selectboard would know that residents want to see action with respect to the zoning ordinance. A conversation followed.
Mr. Heck stated that another issue that he notices, in relations to how nice the center of town looks, is that the Meeting House sign is in disrepair. He asked that the Selectboard consider addressing the disrepair rather than waiting on the restoration of the Meeting House project to address the dilapidated sign.
Lastly, Mr. Heck stated he would like to see the Recycling Center open up for recycling. It was noted that the Recycling Center Supervisor has opened the recycling windows and is preparing an article about reopening in the upcoming August/September Spirit. Mr. Heck would likely notice the change the next time he uses the facility.
5:45PM: Jim Morris, Department of Public Works Director
At 5:45pm, the Chair opened the public meeting and welcomed Jim Morris, DPW Director to the meeting. Director Morris stated that he has reviewed a number of resumes and letters for the open Heavy Equipment Operator position. Director Morris stated that he has interviewed several candidates and would like to recommend a person to fill the position. Director Morris stated that he has completed his due diligence with previous employers, has talked to people in the field, and completed a preliminary equipment operator skills review with candidate John Plourde from Stoddard. Director Morris stated that Mr. Plourde has a background working for Hancock DPW, and is now in Bennington. Mr. Plourde has a municipal solid waste operator license, has welding experience and has passed the T2 Grader class as part of the UNH Road Scholar program. Director Morris introduced John Plourde to the Selectboard members. A conversation followed. At the conclusion of the conversation, the Selectboard were of a consensus that Mr. Plourde should start work at his earliest opportunity.
6:00 PM – Kayla Kokal, resident
The Selectboard welcomed Kayla Kokal, resident. Ms. Kokal is attending to discuss the recreation survey that she submitted to the Selectboard. A discussion followed. The Selectboard agreed to support the recreation survey and requested that an online survey (such as with Survey Monkey) be included in the survey program. The Board suggested that an EDDM (mailer to all residents) of the survey would go out one week after the Greenfield Spirit, with a due date for reply by September 1st. Drop-off locations will be at the Town Office drop box and at the Library.
6:30 PM - Selectboard Business Meeting
Board members reviewed and signed the Consent Agenda documents. The Chair read the Consent Agenda and requested a motion. 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 held a discussion on the Meeting House survey results. Selectman Parker stated that based on the results it appears that approximately 47 have been returned and shared with the Friends of the Greenfield Community Meeting House. The Chair stated that the results show that a discussion with the public on the cost of the bond is very important. He stated that this type of education is critical for residents in Greenfield. There followed a discussion about the Meeting House restoration timeline.
The Selectboard discussed a recent letter from the Friends of the Greenfield Community Meeting House co-Chair, Sheldon Pennoyer regarding the selection of architectural firms to develop an engineering study, and a timeline on the award of the engineering study project. The engineering study will provide the approximate costs associated with restoration.
Next the Selectboard discussed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that is available from the Federal Government through the State of New Hampshire. At the conclusion of the discussion, Selectman Borden made a motion to have the Chair sign the ARPA terms agreement and the Title VI document that is a requirement as part of the application process. Selectman Parker seconded the motion. The vote was called and passed 3-0 in favor.
A discussion followed regarding grants that the Library and Emergency Management department are pursuing.
A letter from Reverend Dan Osgood was reviewed regarding the recent Memorial Day service. The service was held at a time when many residents were attending church service, which was an unfortunate oversight. It was suggested that the Selectboard form a committee of interested people to help with the planning for 2022 and beyond.
A discussion followed about the town’s patriotic program and a preliminary conversation outlined the potential to increase awareness and participation in Memorial Day observance and Veterans Day observance.
The Selectboard agreed to sign Intent to Cut forms in a non-contemporaneous manner during the summer schedule, and to post this consensus as required by statute.
The Board discussed an upcoming workshop scheduled for August 10th, to discuss the town’s Master Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan. This workshop will be a posted meeting for the workshop content and will not provide a public forum or any appointments.
There being no further business the Board voted to adjourn.
Adjournment
At 8:12 pm, Selectman Borden made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by the Selectman Parker. The motion carried 3-0.