Selectboard Minutes
Town of Greenfield
7 Sawmill Road, Greenfield, NH 03047
Selectboard Minutes
Thursday, December 17, 2020 – 4:30 PM
Selectboard: Chairwoman Margaret Charig Bliss, Selectwoman Karen Day, Selectman Robert Marshall
Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator;
Public: Diane Boilard
4:30 PM: Virtual Meeting Open – Dial In 1+717-275-8940
The meeting was called to order at 4:30pm. 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 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. The Selectboard members are each home and 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.”
4:30 PM: Selectboard Business Meeting
The Chair opened the meeting and noted that the Board would be meeting in a non-public meeting. Before the non-public meeting starts there are several items for review. The Chair asked Diane Boilard if she had anything to present to the Board. The Town Administrator stated that the Lot Line Adjustment with the Library and the Greenfield Inn has been completed and the deed filed at the Registry of Deeds. Diane stated that the additional funds from the Library would be released and the Board and Ms. Boilard agreed that the town could make payment to the owners of the Greenfield Inn. Ms. Boilard stated she would call back closer to 6pm for the discussion on the Fire Department stipend.
On a motion by Selectman Marshall and a second by the Chair, the Board voted, by roll-call vote, 3-0 in favor of the A/P manifest dated 12/16/2020 in the amount of $45,187.67. A brief discussion followed about tree trimming and rental of a chipper. Selectman Marshall stated the town’s DPW did an excellent job on Slip Road, but was not sure if there were other areas in town that were addressed. Next the Selectboard reviewed a new hire worksheet for the Library and on a motion by Selectman Marshall and a second from Selectwoman Day, voted 3-0 in favor by roll-call vote to finalize the process for the Library’s new hire for part-time help.
At 4:52, the Chair outlined the need to enter into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A:II, a and c. Selectman Marshall made a motion under the RSA to enter into non-public session. The motion was seconded by the Chair. On a roll-call vote, the Board entered into non-public session at 4:52pm.
At 6:07 pm the Chair made a motion to enter into the public session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Marshall. The motion passed 3-0 in favor.
While in the public session, the Chair made a motion to seal the minutes under RSA 91-A:III due to privacy concerns. The motion was seconded by Selectwoman Day. The motion passed on a roll-call vote of 3-0 in favor.
6:00 PM – Rick McQuade, Fire Chief
At 6:09, the Chair opened a discussion on the Fire Department stipend request. In attendance are Diane Boilard, David Martin, Jeff LaCourse, Michael Borden and Fire Chief McQuade.
Chief McQuade stated that the Fire Department members understand the difference between immunity and indemnification as outlined in RSA 508:12-b. He stated that the Fire Department has had a discussion on the RSA and recognizes that both immunity and indemnification are ‘waived’ in the event of a malicious action, by a member while performing his/her duties. Town Administrator Patt thanked the Fire Chief for reviewing the statute with the department members in light of the potential for stipends in excess of $5,000. A discussion followed regarding the stipend request. Chief McQuade stated that the department could, on request from a fire department member, cap the stipend paid out during the year in order to fall below the threshold ($5000) in the RSA. The amount of the stipend difference would be turned back into the pool and awarded to the rest of the department. The Selectboard discussed the stipend request and on a motion by Selectwoman Day, and a second by Selectman Marshall, voted 3-0 to pay the stipend in the amount request, by roll-call vote, which amounts to an additional $9,385.00 that will be transferred from the rest of the Fire Department budget lines to the Stipend line.
6:30 PM – Selectboard Business Meeting
The Selectboard reviewed the minutes of the 12/10/2020 meeting. On a motion from Selectman Marshall, and a second by Selectwoman Day, the Board voted 3-0 by roll-call vote to accept the minutes.
Next the Selectboard discussed a proposal from Selectman Marshall to provide merit bonuses to staff for their work during difficult year during the pandemic. Selectman Marshall provided a list of staff members and possible bonuses for each staff member. The Board agreed to revisit the proposal at their next meeting.
There being no further business the Board voted to adjourn.
Adjournment
At 6:52 pm, Selectwoman Day made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Selectman Marshall. The motion carried 3-0 in a roll-call vote.