Selectboard Minutes
Town of Greenfield
7 Sawmill Road, Greenfield, NH 03047
Selectboard Minutes
Thursday, November 23, 2020 – 2:00 PM
Selectboard: Chairwoman Margaret Charig Bliss, Selectwoman Karen Day, Selectman Robert Marshall
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator; Dorene Adams, Town Clerk; Brian Giammarino, Police Chief
Public:
2:00 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, which has been extended for the 9th time, this public body is authorized to meet virtually.
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 today'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. The Selectboard members are each home and alone, the Town Administrator is in his office at home and is alone. The Town Clerk is in her office 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.”
2:00 PM: Dorene Adams, Town Clerk
The Chair welcomed Ms. Adams to the meeting. The Board has reviewed a plan from the Town Clerk regarding the set-up of the waiting area for customer service by appointment in the Town Office. The Board discussed the safety issues and requirements given that COVID-19 cases are increasing. The Clerk provided an overview of the plan to put up a large plexiglass divider that will provide social distance between the window and the dutch-door of the Clerk’s office. The Clerk provided an overview of the waiting area, hand sanitizer station, and social distancing within the waiting area. The number of appointments needed is very low as it only pertains to new vehicles and certain vital records and applications such as a marriage license. The Clerk explained that it would be unlikely to have people waiting and any waiting would be limited by the social distance restrictions.
At the conclusion of the conversation, the Board voted on a motion by the Chair to open the Town Office, starting on Monday November 30th, for appointment-only, subject to review by the Selectboard and depending upon the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. The motion was seconded by Selectman Marshall. On a vote of 3-0 in favor the motion passed.
2:45 PM: Selectboard Non-Public
At 2:45 pm, the Chair welcomed Police Chief Brian Giammarino to the meeting. Selectman Marshall made a motion to enter into non-public session under RSA 91:A, II a and c for personnel. The motion was seconded by Selectwoman Day, and passed on roll-call vote of 3-0 in favor.
At 4:00 pm, the Chair made a motion to enter into the public session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Marshall and passed on a roll-call vote 3-0 in favor. The Chair made a motion to seal the minutes under RSA 91:A, III as the letter is privileged information. The motion was seconded by Selectman Marshall and passed on a vote of 3-0.
While in the public session the Board noted that no decisions were made by the Board and no votes were taken.
Next the Board heard a request from Selectman Marshall to have Department Heads review the Hazard Mitigation Plan which outlines proposed Mitigation Action items to insure that they have adequate funding available in their proposed budgets for 2021.
The Board requested to meet with Matt Miller, the towns Wastewater Plant operator.
The Board heard a request from Jessica Timmons relative to banners on light poles around town as part of a Friends of the Meeting House awareness campaign. The Board agreed that DPW Buildings & Grounds Manager Rick McQuade should coordinate with the Friends.
There being no further business the Board voted to adjourn.
Adjournment
At 4:11 pm, Selectman Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Selectwoman Day. The motion carried 3-0 in a roll-call vote.