GREENSBORO – The May 14 regular select board meeting garnered its usual attendance, with many community members wondering what’s next for the town hall. Several proposed uses came up in discussion throughout the evening. Other agenda items included the potential purchase of a new fire truck, paving bids and other public concerns.
photo by Paul Fixx
Greensboro Fire Chief David Brochu was present, delivering his regular report. The board then discussed options for replacing the current rescue truck and 2006 pumper truck.
Several proposals were considered, including refurbishing the current pumper, purchasing a used stock unit, a late-model new stock unit or a new custom E-One unit. Chief Brochu’s recommendation for this purchase was the E-One unit, as it includes a greater hose capacity and top-mounted pump. This would be beneficial as Greensboro has many long driveways, requiring a longer hose length. Brochu said the service life is estimated at 25 to 30 years.
Some community members present questioned Brochu’s recommendation, however. Peter Romans asked if the select board has looked at the Capital Budget to see how this truck purchase will work out financially. In response Vice Chair Tim Brennan said the capital budget currently shows $490k scheduled for this truck, with an annual payment of $70k.
Resident Gary Circosta said just because this spending is scheduled in the capital budget, that doesn’t mean it’s a feasible cost for taxpayers. He later suggested a capital committee be formed to work on long-term financial planning for the town, as there will be many upcoming expenses in relation to the new truck. A number of others present agreed. After some discussion, the board agreed to table the decision on the fire truck purchase until next month’s meeting.
Road Foreman Tom Camarra was present, providing several updates. He reported one paving bid has been received from Pike Industries. The bid included two sections, each under a mile, with each section costing $134,850. Camarra said the town is behind on paving and he had asked Pike to separate their bid into two sections in the event some FEMA money became available for additional paving. Board members present agreed the town has been behind on paving for years, accepting Pike’s bid to pave both sections for $269,700.
Beth Meacham was present to remind the board that the library parking lot also needed to be repaved. She said it’s a safety issue in its current state. Camarra said the road crew will coordinate with Pike to repair the site.
Several proposed uses of town hall space came up in discussion. Board Chair MacNeil said the town is planning to turn the large blue room, now occupied by Josh Karp, into a general town meeting space. Technology would be purchased to make hybrid meetings possible, while Karp would move into the Collier room, as would Brett Stanciu upon her return.
Naomi Ranz-Schleifer, president of the Greensboro Association (GA), said the GA is interested in renting the blue room.
Meaghan Meacham said, since the Rural Edge project is not happening, the town needs to consider the future of the building. She suggested community conversations be held this summer to get public input about the building’s future.
Ranz-Schleifer wondered what the town’s process is for making decisions about town hall spaces. She added that rental income from the GA could help support the town.
Vice Chair Brennan agreed there should be an upfront process that the town goes through to decide who can use the space. While the GA has requested use of the space, he said it feels premature to decide now and suggested the conversation continue.
Board member Ellen Celnik asked Ranz-Schleifer if the GA had looked for space at the Highland Center. She responded saying the GA wants to collaborate with the town and is seeking a town space. Chair MacNeil said, after the blue room is set up and the town gets a sense of how it is being used, the town might be able to work something out with the GA, but the GA wouldn’t be getting its own dedicated room. Ranz-Schleifer agreed, saying the GA’s use of the blue room need not be exclusive. Stu Arnold said this new meeting room may sit idle most of the time if only official town use is permitted, adding that volunteers could help facilitate the use of the space by the larger community. Celnik, a member of the GA, agreed to continue the conversation in the future.
In other business, Ranz-Schleifer announced there will be a free weekly community meal at the Lakeview School, Tuesday’s at 5 p.m., beginning May 27. Seed funding from the Greensboro Association helped to get this off the ground and volunteers are needed, she said.
Josh Karp informed the board that all federal funds have been received for the 2023 flood. A full report can be found on the town’s website. Approximately $180,000 in additional funds are expected by the end of 2025.
Town Clerk Kim Greaves reported Rod Kerr will be installing dehumidifiers in the town offices by June 1. Greaves was also appointed interim treasurer at the meeting, with the board agreeing to provide additional compensation for her dual workload.
Kingdom Games requested permission to hold the 14th annual Caspian Swim on Sunday, August 10. The board agreed.
A granite bench in memory of Tom Hurst was proposed, with the board unanimously approving its installation.
The board entered executive session to discuss a personnel issue to end the meeting.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
