Selectboard Minutes
Minutes
Town of Greenfield
Greenfield Town Offices, 7 Sawmill Road Greenfield, NH
Selectboard’s Minutes
Thursday, October 10, 2019 – 5:30 PM
Selectboard: Chairwoman Margaret Charig Bliss, Selectwoman Karen Day, Selectman Robert Marshall
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator
Documents for Review/Approval:
- A/P Check Register – 10/01/2019
- Payroll Check Register – 10/04/2019
- Selectboard Minutes – 10/03/2019
- Meeting House Rental – (1)
- Welfare Vouchers – (2)
Items for Discussion in the Public Session:
1. Letter from Stephenson Library Trustees – Appointment of Alternate
2. Letter from Senator Jeanne Dietsch
5:30 PM: Public Forum
At 5:30 pm, Chair Charig Bliss opened the meeting. The Selectboard began working through the Consent Agenda items. On a motion by the Chair and a second by Selectman Marshall, the Board voted 3-0 to accept the Consent Agenda.
5:45 PM: Rick McQuade, Buildings and Grounds Manager
At 5:45pm, the Chair recognized Rick McQuade, B&G Manager. Mr. McQuade explained that the second truck bay propane heater has failed at the DPW garage. A replacement for the first heater was installed earlier this year in February. Mr. McQuade needs to replace the second heater prior to winter. He handed out a quote from Allen & Mathewson. Selectman Marshall asked how the purchase fits into the town’s purchasing policy. The policy was reviewed and the Board noted that under section 7, exemptions include items that have been previously awarded in the last 12 months. Mr. McQuade explained that this is the same type of heating unit that was installed in February. The Chair made a motion to accept the proposal from Allen & Mathewson and to pay for the purchase out of Capital Reserve funds (Town Building Maintenance Capital Reserve Fund). The motion was seconded by Selectwoman Day. The motion passed on a vote of 3-0.
Next, Fire Chief McQuade outlined that the fire department’s engines and ladder truck have undergone pump tests to certify the pumps and equipment. There are a number of repairs for Engine 3 to service the pump and valves, as well as service the gauges on the Engine 3. On the ladder truck, the pump and the gearbox for the ladder needs to be serviced. Mr. McQuade will forward purchase orders for the work to the Selectboard to sign as they will be greater than $1,500 to complete the work. This maintenance work will prevent future issues, which could be much more costly if the maintenance is deferred.
6:30 PM: Neal Brown, Resident – Lake Association
At 6:40pm, Neal Brown of Sunset Lake Road came before the Selectboard. Mr. Brown explained that he would like the Town to consider becoming part of a Lake Association for Sunset Lake. He stated that he estimates that about 80% of the residents on the lake are interested in forming such an association in order to have a unified voice regarding policies and usage of the lake. The association would have a stronger voice with the State. Mr. Brown explained that the town of Greenfield and Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center are the two largest owners of the lake front. Mr. Brown asked the Selectboard to consider being a part of such an association. A discussion followed, and the Selectboard went through a document about lake associations provided by Mr. Brown. The Selectboard asked several questions of the Town Administrator and then stated that the town would need to review some legal questions before answering.
7:00 PM: Selectboard Work Session
The Selectboard took up the question of perambulating the town lines as required by RSA. A discussion followed regarding a proposal from the Town Forester to perambulate the lines. At the conclusion of the discussion the Selectboard voted on a motion by the Chair and a second by Selectwoman Day to have the Town Forester refresh the quote for perambulating the town lines. The Selectboard intends to enter into an agreement to ensure that the town lines are perambulated. The motion passed 3-0.
Next the Selectboard discussed budget issues. The Board is interested in evaluating the town’s use of contract services during the 2019 year, as the budget is built for 2020.
The Selectboard held a discussion about solar initiatives. The Board heard that an audit of the town’s buildings would be performed by a representative for Eversource. The Board concluded the discussion with a request that Greg Blake from South Pack Solar be contacted and provided an update on the town’s progress.
Adjournment
At 8:32 pm The Chair made a motion to adjourn the meeting, the motion was seconded by Selectman Marshall, the motion carried 3-0.