At the July 8 Greensboro Select Board meeting, three discussion items drew lengthier comments: changes to the town's zoning bylaws, a structural assessment of the town hall and formation of a committee to review how town meetings are conducted.
Board Chair MacNeil asked which members had read zoning amendments first presented June 24. Hearing only one affirmative, he suggested postponing detailed discussion for a month. Planning Commission members Janet Patterson and Christine Armstrong, along with resident Peter Romans, expressed frustration with the delay. Romans said the board's reluctance showed disrespect to the commission. Patterson and Armstrong offered to meet with board members individually before the next meeting.
The board approved a motion to create a committee to study town meeting effectiveness and inclusion, directing a subgroup of board and staff to write a charge and solicit letters of interest. The committee is to report back by the end of November. Community member Liz Steel said strong leadership will be needed: "it can feel like a waste of energy for committee members when their ideas are presented yet not taken up."
Architect Jay Barrett, assisted by structural engineer Tim Schall, presented a preliminary building code review and structural assessment of the town hall, built in 1913. His report noted the building is "in good order" overall. However, insulating the roof could increase snow load and overstress roof framing. Barrett recommended obtaining quotes for reinforcing the roof, potentially a several hundred thousand dollar project. He also suggested listing the building on the National Register of Historic Places to access grant funding.
A fire marshal inspection is needed before the third floor gymnasium can reopen for public use, which the recreation committee hopes to use for pickleball and other activities. The board will consult an attorney about liability before setting an occupancy limit.
Fire Chief Dave Brochu reported that Greensboro and Hardwick fire departments have begun an auto-response agreement as of July 1 to address daytime staffing shortages. Brochu also received notification that he becomes the town's fire warden under Act 162; he has appointed Patsy Mercier and John Moffat as deputies. The board authorized Brochu to solicit bids for selling the town's Rescue 10 vehicle and research a broker for Engine 3, estimated at $45,000.
Liz Steel noted that the Greensboro Community Trust is exploring converting the Methodist Church parsonage into two affordable housing units and seeking wastewater options for church and parsonage projects.
Photo: Geoffrey Moffett via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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