Selectboard Minutes

Meeting date: 
Thursday, May 19, 2022

Town of Greenfield

7 Sawmill Road, Greenfield, NH 03047

Selectboard’s Minutes

Thursday, May 19, 2022 – 5:30 PM

Selectboard: Chairman Mason Parker, Selectman Michael Borden, Selectman Tom Bascom

Staff: Aaron Patt, Town Administrator; David Thimmel, Oak Park Committee

Public: Joseph Ellis, Robert Rooney

Documents for Discussion/Signature

  1. Payroll Check manifest dated 5/13/2022 in the amount of $32,758.13
  2. A/P Check manifest dated 5/18/2022 in the amount of $42,715.80
  3. A/P VOID Check manifest dated 5/18/2022 in the amount of $0.00
  4. Appointment – Forestry Committee
  5. Intent to Cut – R1-20-2
  6. LUCT Recommendations (Warrant & Bill) – R3-1-2
  7. Purchase Order – Crack Seal Old Bennington Road
  8. NH Liquor Commission – Farmer’s Market permission(s)
    1. Pup’s Cider Mill
    2. Cabana Falls
  9. Welfare Voucher – (3)
  10. Minutes of 5/05/2022

Other letters/ items for Discussion/Signature:

  1. Locality Equipment Grant - GOFERR
  2. Architect Contract – Meeting House Restoration
  3. HVAC Design – Old Town Office building
  4. Assessment Data Verification Letter

5:30 PM: Selectboard Meeting

The Chair opened the meeting and took up the Consent Agenda for review. The Selectboard reviewed and signed documents. Dave Thimmel, Oak Park Committee Chair visited with the Selectboard and discussed the alcohol permit application for vendors that are applying to the State of New Hampshire for liquor licenses in order to offer alcoholic beverages at the Farmer’s Market at Oak Park.

Next, the Selectboard discussed the Locality Equipment Grant from Goffer. Selectman Bascom made a motion to apply for 18 radios and accessories as outlined in a quote from Procom Services, and two ruggedized laptops for police cruisers offered by Twinbridge Services. The total amount of the grant application comes to $57, 006.05, with $50,000 to come from the Locality Equipment Grant, $5,556.00 from the Town as match to the grant, and the remaining $1,405.05 to come from the Fire Department equipment line. Selectman Borden seconded the motion. On a roll-call vote the Board voted 3-0 in favor of the motion.

The Selectboard discussed the Meeting House contract and reached a consensus that Selectman Bascom would work with the Town Administrator and Sheldon Pennoyer. The goal is to streamline the contract and incorporate Town Counsel’s review of the terms in order to finalize the contract and send the result back to the architect.

6:15 PM: Joe Ellis, Resident

The Selectboard met with Joe Ellis of 58 Slip Road. The town has been using an access through the 58 Slip Road property to reach Shea Cemetery for many years. Mr. Ellis outlined his interest in closing off the access due to concerns raised by his insurance company. Selectman Borden outlined the town’s stance that they have been using the access for well over the 20 years necessary to claim adverse possession as outlined in the RSAs. The Board is not interested in taking the matter to court, however, and would prefer to work out an amicable arrangement whereby the town can have access to the right-of-way beyond the railroad tracks for the few times a year necessary to mow and maintain the cemetery property. The Board suggested that Mr. Ellis could grant an easement to the town in exchange for remuneration. It was agreed that Selectman Borden as Building Inspector will meet with Mr. Ellis on the property to review the access at the back of the property. Once the Board and Mr. Ellis are on the same page with respect to the property and any issues, the parties can review potential deal terms for an easement.

6:45 PM: Brian Giammarino, Police Chief

The Selectboard welcomed Chief Giammarino to the meeting. The Chair discussed the 2022 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and stated that the Police Department is due for a new cruiser this year. Chief Giammarino stated that the Explorer has 86,000 miles and is starting to experience equipment failure. By the time a new vehicle is available, the mileage will likely be over 90,000 and the vehicle should be rotated out of a front line position. The Police Department has three quotes for vehicles. The department Capital Reserve Fund for vehicle replacement has $40,444.00 at the end of December 2021. Town Meeting voted to add $10,000 to this amount in 2022. There is also some additional interest funding that has accrued year-to-date. The only Dodge Charger quote of the three is from Global Equipment in the amount of $41,800. This is the preferred vehicle for the department over a Dodge Durango or a Ford Interceptor. He noted that the time frame for delivery is long and the vehicle may not be ready until the end of the year. No one actually knows what delivery times will be. At the conclusion of the discussion, Selectman Borden made a motion to purchase a 2022 Dodge Charger in the amount of $41,800 and to use Capital Reserve Funds for the purchase. The motion was seconded by Selectman Bascom. On a roll-call vote the Board voted 3-0 in favor of the motion. It was noted that the town can float the $1,400 difference if the cruiser is ready prior to transfer of 2022 CRF funding in December. The Board also noted that the price of police vehicles will require the town to start saving more every year. The Board noted that an amount of $15,000 instead of $10,000 per year, will be needed for the next purchase. Chief Giammarino thanked the Selectboard for their support.

7:15 PM: Selectboard Work Session

The Selectboard discussed a recent ZBA decision and noted that residents on Sunset Lake have filed an appeal to the decision.

The Board reached a consensus that Selectman Bascom will be the selectman liaison to the Board for Network and IT related issues. The town’s IT provider has offered to have a conference call to go over network improvements that the town should look at. The Town Administrator will schedule a call with Selectman Bascom.

Selectman Borden provided an update on the Joint Loss Committee. Selectman Borden is the new Chair of that committee and held a meeting with members from the Recycling Center, DPW, Police Department, Fire Department and administration. Selectman Borden gave an overview of the meeting. The next meeting is a walk through of the DPW and Recycling Center.

Selectman Borden gave an overview of a recent zoning violation from property owners on Slip Road.

The Chair outlined that the Planning Board has the Emergency Management department on the agenda to discuss a sign for the Fire Department.

The Chair discussed a need for trash cans at Oak Park. In the past the Selectboards have not allowed trash cans because the privilege is abused. A discussion followed. It was the consensus of the Board to provide trash cans at Oak Park on a trial basis and to review any concerns or abuse during the summer, prior to making a final decision on making them a permanent fixture.

The Board discussed an upcoming Spirit article. The Chair will work on a draft and send it around to the members for review.

The Board took up the Consent Agenda. Selectman Borden made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded by Selectman Bascom. On a vote of 3-0 the Board approved the Consent Agenda items.

The Chair discussed the upcoming Selectboard meeting calendar. The meeting on June 23rd is not possible for Selectman Bascom. The Board agreed to look at meeting on Weds. June 22nd. The Board directed that the June 30th meeting be cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.

There being no further business the Board voted to adjourn.

Adjournment

At 8:25pm, Selectman Borden made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by the Chair. The motion carried 3-0.