Selectboard Minutes
Minutes
Town of Greenfield
Greenfield Town Offices, 7 Sawmill Road Greenfield, NH
Selectboard’s Minutes
Thursday, May 31, 2018 – 5:30 PM
Selectboard: Chair Robert Marshall, Selectwoman Margaret A. Charig Bliss, Selectwoman Karen Day
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator;
Public: Adele Hale
Documents for Review/Approval:
- Payroll Check Register dated June 1, 2018
- Employee Vacation Request – Exec.
- Change of Wage Form – Library Minute Taker
- Change of Wage Form – Municipal Agent
- Selectboard Minutes - 5/17, 5/24
- Meeting House Rental -7/21/2018
- Welfare Letter (3)
5:30 PM: Public Forum
At 5:30 pm, Chairman Robert Marshall opened the meeting. The Selectboard reviewed minutes of the previous meeting and then reviewed the Consent Agenda items. The Consent Agenda items were approved.
Chairman Marshall, noting Adele Hale’s presence for the Public Forum, asked if there were any issues that the Board could address. Ms. Hale discussed a grant that was used to improve Oak Park many years ago. The grant restrictions continue in place today. Ms. Hale said that the grant required a sign outlining the grant award be posted at the park. She wanted the Selectboard to know that the sign has been gone for some time. Ms. Hale had several questions regarding the grant restrictions, including how many years the sign was supposed to be in place. The Board agreed to review the requirements and ensure that the park stay in compliance with grant requirements.
5:45 PM: Robert Grunbeck, Greenfield Corner Properties
Robert Grunbeck, owner of Greenfield Corner Properties came before the Selectboard to discuss the 2nd quarter wastewater bills. A discussion followed regarding the Selectboard’s decision to raise the rates in 2018. Mr. Grunbeck stated that Greenfield Corner Properties pays approximately 41% of the wastewater quarterly billings. The biggest issue is the cost to the restaurant. Mr. Grunbeck explained that fixed costs for the restaurant are of concern. Mr. Grunbeck discussed the original cost of the plant and the bonds that are in place. There is a 20 year bond, which expires in 2026 and a 30 year bond, which expires in 2035. Mr. Grunbeck stated that the Board needs to explore bringing in more revenue to offset the increases to the system. The Chair noted that there have been no increases to the wastewater rates since the system was built in 2003. He noted that the raises are required to protect the wastewater account and to protect the residents in the village. The Selectboard discussed setting up a committee of wastewater users focused on bringing on more users. Mr. Grunbeck offered to participate on the committee.
6:30 PM: Selectboard Work Session
The Selectboard discussed putting solar panels on portions of the wastewater field. The Board discussed whether to have the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) look at the question of a solar installation.
Next, the Selectboard received information from the E-911 Bureau for Dodge Road and Gulf Road. The Board also received notice from a resident that the preferred name change for Dodge Road is to Sundine Farm Road. On a motion by the Chair and a second by Selectwoman Charig Bliss the Board voted 3-0 to change the name of Dodge Road at the portion of road accessed from East Road to Sundine Farm Road.
On a motion by the Chair and a second by Selectwoman Day, the Board voted 3-0 in favor of having no other changes to the other end of Dodge road – meaning that the numbers would stay the same.
Next the Selectboard discussed Gulf Road. The Chair stated he would recuse himself from the discussion and voting due to the fact that he lives on the road. The remaining board members reached a consensus that Gulf Road (from the current end of Slip Road west to the Peterborough line) would change to Slip Road and the numbers associated with Gulf Road would change to Slip Road numbers as provided by the E-911 Bureau. A motion to this effect was made by Selectwoman Charig Bliss. The motion was seconded by Selectwoman Day. The motion passed on a vote of 2-0 in favor with one abstention.
A discussion followed regarding the time frame to make the changes. The discussion included the amount of time necessary to order new road signs, provide notification to the residents, provide notification and schedule an appropriate time with E-911 and to coordinate a time and day when the change-over would take place.
Next the Selectboard discussed significant heavy truck volume on Mountain Road.
The Board discussed and agreed to write a letter in support of the Milford Bennington Railroad, which has tracks running through Greenfield. It was noted that the Board was recently copied on a letter of support for the railroad from A.S.P. E.
Adjournment
The time being 7:40, Chairman Marshall motioned to adjourn; Selectwoman Charig Bliss seconded and the vote was unanimous 3-0.
The minutes are final when approved and signed by the Selectboard. A signed copy is on file in the Selectboard’s office.