Selectboard Minutes
Minutes
Town of Greenfield
7 Sawmill Road, Greenfield, NH 03047
Selectboard’s Minutes
Thursday, June 25, 2020 – 4:00 PM
Selectboard: Chairwoman Margaret Charig Bliss, Selectwoman Karen Day, Selectman Robert Marshall
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator; David Martin, EMD; Rick McQuade, DPW B&G;
Public:
Documents for Review/Approval:
- Payroll Manifest dated 6/25/2020
- Abatement Request – R4-31-3
- Fire Department Stipend Worksheet
- Selectboard Minutes – 6/11 & 6/17
Other letters/ items for Discussion/Signature (updated 5pm):
1. Letter to American Steel Fabricators – Permit Fee
2. Letter to 792 Forest Road Properties LLC – Permission
3. Credit Request – DPW Garage
4. Oak Park Ordinance
4:30 PM: Virtual Meeting Open – Dial In 1+717-275-8940
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm. Chairwoman Charig Bliss welcomed everyone to the virtual Selectboard meeting. Chairwoman Charig Bliss opened the meeting and read a statement provided by the Attorney General’s office regarding virtual meetings. “As Chair of the Selectboard, I find that due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with the Governor’s Emergency Order #12 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, this public body is authorized to meet electronically.
Please note that there is no physical location to observe and listen contemporaneously to this meeting, which was authorized pursuant to the Governor’s Emergency Order. However, in accordance with the Emergency Order, I am confirming that we are providing public access to the meeting by telephone. We are currently working on providing additional access possibilities by video or other electronic means, however, we are a small town and that is not feasible for tonight’s call.
We are utilizing Freeconference.com for this electronic meeting. All members of the Board have the ability to communicate contemporaneously during this meeting through this platform, and the public has access to contemporaneously listen and, if necessary, participate in this meeting through dialing the access number posted online or by following the directions on the Meeting Instructions link from the Selectboard’s page on the website. The Website address is greenfield-nh.gov.
We previously gave notice to the public of the necessary information for accessing the meeting, including how to access the meeting telephonically. If there are problems with access, please email the Town Administrator and he will attempt to help you in real time. In the event the public is unable to access the meeting, the meeting will be adjourned and rescheduled.
Please note that all votes that are taken during this meeting shall be done by roll-call vote.
Let’s start the meeting by taking a roll-call attendance. When each member states their presence, please also state whether there is anyone in the room with you during this meeting, which is required under the Right-to-Know law. “
Each selectperson noted that they were alone. EMD David Martin is home alone. DPW Manager Rick McQuade is at the DPW building alone. The Town Administrator is in his office at home and is alone.
The Chair stated: “at this point I would ask that everyone mute their phones by pressing * (star) 6 (six). If there isn’t time for your questions tonight, you can email the Town Administrator and request to be on the agenda during the next meeting. If you have technical difficulties on your end with your computer, laptop, or other electronic device email the Town Administrator if you having trouble connecting in real-time and we’ll try to be of help.
Gov. Sununu’s Emergency Order #16 has been lifted however, given the headlines where other States are pulling back from re-opening and the virus appears to be surging in many areas, there is a risk that the Selectboard cannot ignore. For the foreseeable future the Board will continue to meet by conference call as a result. We'll ask that - to the extent possible - you submit your questions/concerns/comments to the Town Administrator via email in advance so we can have answers ready. Remember to charge whatever device you are using in advance of the meeting. I can assure you everyone in your town government is doing everything in their capacity to ensure your safety, their safety and Greenfield's future. With that said, I would invite participants to bring issues before the Board.”
4:00 PM: David Martin, Emergency Management Director
At 4:04pm, the Selectboard heard a report from EMD Martin. EMD Martin discussed the McGurty Maintenance Cleaning contract with the Selectboard. He stated that the Town needs a contract in place and he would be happy to discuss with Rick McQuade but suggested that the town should include some language that allows for amendments if it becomes clear that additional items need to be addressed. He suggested that the department heads be consulted so as to determine their needs. He also suggested that there is a concern that the company under contract provides background checks because they could be around sensitive data. Mr. Martin closed with notice that the next EMRT meeting is scheduled for July 7th.
4:30 PM: Rick McQuade, DPW Buildings & Grounds
The Chair welcomed Mr. McQuade to the meeting. Mr. McQuade outlined that comments regarding cleaning from EMD Martin were very helpful. He provided assurances that the cleaning contractor does require background checks prior to hiring. He stated that to the best of his knowledge the town does not have a written contract anymore in place, but has been evergreening the relationship with McGurty Maintenance. Selectman Marshall noted that increased costs due to additional cleaning should be tracked for reimbursement through the various grants that the State and Federal departments are providing. A discussion followed regarding the cleaning of the Town Office as well as the potential for other buildings. It was noted that Library is included in the current cleaning budget. A discussion on the availability of cleaning supplies was held. Mr. McQuade reported that commercial cleaning supplies are not as constricted as residential cleaning supplies so the cleaning company has access to cleaning supplies.
The Selectboard and Mr. McQuade discussed signs at Oak Park and the beaches. Mr. McQuade reported that the signs have been printed at the Town Office and he will be putting them up tomorrow as well as removing the snow fencing from around the playground. The signs encourage people to wash their hands before and after using the playground equipment and to observe social distancing. The Selectboard reviewed the draft signs on email and previously provided individual feedback. At the conclusion of the discussion the Board thanked Mr. McQuade for his work on Oak Park.
5:00 PM: Selectboard Business Meeting
At 4:52 pm, the Selectboard took up several business items. The Chair reviewed the Consent Agenda and the Payroll Manifests of 6/20. On a motion by Selectman Marshall and a second by the Selectwoman Day, the Board voted by roll-call vote to approve the Payroll Manifest, Abatement Application, Fire Department Stipend Worksheet, and the Minutes of 6/11 (corrected) and 6/17, 3-0 in favor.
The Selectboard reviewed a letter to American Steel Fabricators. On a motion by Selectwoman Day and a second by Selectman Marshall the Board voted on a roll-call vote to sign the letter electronically and have the letter sent as a follow-up to the request by Mr. Thornberry, President of American Steel Fabricators.
The Selectboard reviewed a letter to 792 Forest Road Properties, LLC and determined that the subsequent survey of the property provided to the Planning Board by Fieldstone Land Consultants differs from the basis of the original request to the Selectboard, as such the Board requested that the letter, which provides permission to access the drainage ditch from the town’s parking lot, be updated to reflect the survey findings more accurately.
The Selectboard held a discussion relative to a credit application forwarded by DPW Road Manager Todd Mason. Mr. Mason has requested the ability to install a gas holding tank for DPW and the Police Department as a result of the closure of Crotched Mountain School. The Selectboard requested that questions about the tank installation be reviewed prior to an approval.
The Selectboard discussed and agreed to cancel the meeting on Thursday, July 2nd in light of a schedule conflict.
The Selectboard reviewed the Oak Park ordinance and proposed several language changes to the ordinance. The changes include requiring pet owners to clean-up after their pets, to remove the term “fairgrounds”, to include that the park is a “Carry-in/Carry-out” facility, removal of reference to waste receptacles (the park does not provide trash cans). At the conclusion of the discussion the Board voted, in a roll-call vote, on a motion by Selectman Marshall and a second by Selectwoman Day 3-0 in favor of adopting the proposed changes to the ordinance.
The Board agreed to extend a co-pay holiday to employees in recognition of the premium holiday received from Schoolcare in July.
There being no further business the Board voted to adjourn
Adjournment
At 6:55pm, Selectman Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by the Chair. The motion carried 3-0 in a roll-call vote.