Selectboard Minutes

Minutes

Town of Greenfield

Greenfield Town Offices, 7 Sawmill Road Greenfield, NH

Selectboard’s Minutes

Tuesday, January 9, 2018 – 5:30 PM

Selectboard: Chair Margaret A. Charig Bliss, Selectman Stephen Atherton, Selectman Robert Marshall

Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator; David Hall, Fire Chief

Public: Ken Paulsen, Michael Borden, Jeff LaCourse, David Simmons, Chaz Babb, Eugene Hennesy, Doug Batty, Diane Boilard

Documents for Review/Approval

1. A/P Check Register
2. Payroll
3. NH Retirement System Payment
4. Selectboard Minutes
5. Welfare

5:30 PM: Public Forum

At 5:30 pm, Chairwoman Charig Bliss opened the meeting. Deb Davidson asked to speak. Ms. Davidson stated that she was in attendance to request the Selectboard to reconsider her request for reimbursement. Ms. Davidson stated that she is the welfare director for the Salvation Army for the towns of Hancock, Bennington, and Greenfield. She stated that a Salvation Army voucher made out to a Greenfield resident was presented at a Target store, and the resident was informed that Target’s policy had changed and they no longer accept vouchers from the Salvation Army. Ms. Davidson said that the resident set aside the Christmas gifts that were picked out, and Ms. Davidson later visited the store and paid for the gifts on behalf of the Greenfield resident. Ms. Davidson stated that the Salvation Army is unable to reimburse her (Ms. Davidson) for the purchases because the Salvation Army’s By-Laws do not have a provision for such reimbursement. Ms. Davidson stated that she was asking the Selectboard to reimburse her for the purchases. There followed a discussion regarding the Salvation Army’s voucher program. At the conclusion of the discussion the Selectboard indicated that they felt that the issue was between Ms. Davidson and the Salvation Army, not the Town of Greenfield.

5:40 PM: Fire Department Members

At 5:40 pm, the Chair recognized the members of the Greenfield Fire Department. The Chair stated that it was good to see the fire department turn out in a show of solidarity for the Department and Fire Chief David Hall. The Chair stated that the Selectboard learned of an issue regarding the Chief and the Selectboard, earlier that day. She stated that the Chief was invited to attend the Selectboard meeting and has agreed to meet with the Selectboard at 6PM. The Chair further stated that the Selectboard would not comment on any issues at this time until they have a chance to meet with the Chief, and at no time would the Selectboard comment on personnel or personnel related issues. The Chair invited a spokesperson from the Fire Department to speak. Jeff LaCourse, Deputy Chief, made several remarks on behalf of the Fire Department and Chief Hall and asked that the Selectboard note that the members of the department were concerned about a recent announcement by the Chief that he was resigning over differences with the Selectboard. Selectboard Chair Charig Bliss stated that she hoped that the Selectboard and Chief Hall could iron out any differences, but that personnel issues such as resignation would be handled in non-public session.

At 5:45 the Selectboard began working through the Consent Agenda.

6:00 PM: Fire Chief David Hall

At 6:05 pm, Fire Chief David Hall came before the Selectboard. After a brief discussion about the nature of the meeting, Selectboard Chair Charig Bliss made a motion to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II a, and c. Selectman Marshall seconded the motion. On a roll-call vote the Selectboard voted 2-0 to enter into non-public session. Selectman Atherton arrived at 6:08 pm.

At 8:18 pm the Selectboard voted 3-0 to enter into public session. In the public session, the Chair motioned to seal the non-public minutes. Selectman Atherton seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 3-0 in favor. It was noted that the discussion between the Fire Chief and Selectboard had resulted in an agreement by the Chief to stay on, pending a discussion with his family. The Selectboard further noted that they had approved a mileage request, which included the Chief’s business trips and mileage for visits to the fire department to meet vendors and volunteers, mail pick-up, and departmental business. The Board noted that the mileage approval would result in the Fire Department being over budget approximately six hundred dollars and that the funds would come from personnel administration.

8:20 PM: Selectboard Work Session

The Selectboard discussed the 2018 budget and requested a draft copy of the Town Warrant for their next meeting. There followed a brief discussion on the placement of warrant articles, the public hearing, notice for the public hearing, and whether to include a “Fast Facts” document at Town Meeting.

Adjournment

The time being 8:41 pm, The Chair moved to adjourn. Selectman Marshall seconded. All were in favor, and the motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM.

The minutes are final when approved and signed by the Selectboard. A signed copy is on file in the Selectboard’s office.