GREENSBORO – The regular May 13 meeting of the select board began with public concerns,
and chairperson Chris Steel of the Greensboro Conservation Commission (GCC) submitting a letter to the board in response to actions taken at its April 22 meeting.
Steel expressed concerns that the select board approved sending a letter to the state government then, authored by Peter and Sandy Gebbie regarding flaws in Act 181.
On behalf of the GCC, Steel formally submitted a letter in response, asking the board to consider the importance of conservation elements included in Act 181.
Steel expressed his surprise the board would take such a strong stance against Act 181
on the basis of Gebbie’s letter. He expected there would have been some consultation with relevant town committees, such as the planning commission or GCC, regarding the merits of the letter.
Board member Tim Brenann said he abstained from the vote due to lack of background information, and in hindsight would have suggested a consultation with the GCC. Mike Metcalf, board member, said while he did vote to send the letter, he appreciated Steel bringing the issue to the attention of the board.
Continuing public comment, Davis Barnett reported just one response was received from their Request For Qualifications postings to . The committee would like more consultants to choose from and has reached out to the State Department of Environmental Conservation. The wastewater committee is seeking a new engineer to help with investigations.
Given the town’s history of wastewater siting kerfuffles, they would like to find a firm with experience in areas with geographic constraints as well as creative solutions.
Resident Paul Brierre said that stormwater flows down North Shore Road impacting his driveway, and he’d like the town to do what it can to improve the situation. MacNeil asked Paul if his driveway is built and maintained to shed water properly. Paul said, while he is planning to improve the driveway by installing waterbars, he believes diverting stormwater off North Shore Road would help, and would also reduce the amount of stormwater getting to the lake.
Treasurer Brett Stanciu said she will connect Paul with road foreman Tom Camarra to continue this conversation.
Gary Circosta said he saw that the town administrator position is on the agenda under executive session, and asked for an update on the hiring process. MacNeil said the board has received seven or eight applications and will be deciding this evening which candidates to reach out to.
Road Foreman Tom Camarra said while sections of the roads have been graded, overall the grading process has been slow due to the rain. The crew has been transitioning equipment from winter to summer use. He informed the board this year’s paving projects will be partially funded by a state grant.
The board decided to table a decision on a new grader, to give board members time to review Camarra’s memo on the purchase. The vote is set to take place at the May 27 meeting.
Moving on, Kim Greaves and Fire Chief Dave Brochu updated the town’s Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP), which was approved by the board.
The board approved the warning for a Special Town Meeting, June 18, at 6:30 p.m., at the Highland Center for Arts, however, a community member has alleged an Open Meeting Law violation that will be considered at the May 27 select board meeting. An item on the agenda for that meeting reads, “Consider re-voting the date, time, location and warning for the special town meeting.”
The select board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Flood Hazard Area Regulations section of the zoning bylaw on May 18, at 6:30 p.m., in the Town Hall meeting room.
A tax sale will be held on Tues. June 2, at 9:30 a.m. at the Greensboro town office. The sale’s information package is available at the town office. MacNeil will represent the town at the sale.
