Greenfield public meetings in 2022

City Council Meeting

The Greenfield City Council will consider overriding the mayor's veto of a $2.2 million free cash appropriation to the Capital Stabilization Fund, and vote on repurposing $67,060.51 from school capital accounts for a new phone system. The agenda also includes zoning amendments for marijuana establishments and rezoning French King Highway, plus a resolution of no confidence for Police Chief Haigh and Mayor Wedegartner.

• Mayor's veto of Order FY23-045: $2,200,000 from Free Cash to Capital Stabilization Fund 8402
• Repurpose $67,060.51 from School Department Capital Accounts for School Phone System
• Amend Zoning Ordinance 2007-17: Marijuana Establishments, Indoor and Outdoor Cultivation
• Rezone French King Highway from General Commercial (GC) to Planned Industry (PI)
• Take from the Table: Resolution for declaration of no confidence for PC Robert Haigh and Mayor Roxann Wedegartner

The City Council unanimously overrode a mayoral veto to approve $2.2 million for the Capital Stabilization Fund. The council also approved several zoning amendments, a new vendor licensing ordinance, and various administrative appointments.

• Overrode Mayor's veto to appropriate $2.2M to Capital Stabilization Fund (Unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 appropriation from Free Cash to Contract Stabilization Fund 8403 (Unanimous)
• Denied rezoning of French King Highway parcels from General Commercial to Planned Industry (3-8)
• Approved zoning amendment requiring water management plans for marijuana cultivation (Unanimous)
• Approved new Chapter 410 Vendor ordinance including license fee schedules (Unanimous)
• Approved increasing FY2023 COLA for retirees from 3% to 5% (Unanimous)
• Approved repurposing $67,060.51 from School Capital Accounts for phone system (Unanimous)
• Defeated motion to take from table resolution regarding Police Chief Robert Haigh (2-8)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold public hearings and second readings on multiple appropriations from Free Cash, including $600,000 to reduce the FY2023 tax rate and $2.5 million to the Capital Stabilization Fund. It will also vote on tax classification options, including a minimum residential factor, and consider several code amendments and a resolution on tax deeds.

• Appropriate $600,000 from Free Cash to reduce the FY2023 tax rate
• Appropriate $2,500,000 from Free Cash to Capital Stabilization Fund 8402
• Adopt a minimum residential factor of 1 for FY2023 tax classification
• Rescind $500,000 borrowing authority for new library construction
• Amend Code chapters on Vehicles and Traffic, Stormwater Management, Trees, and Vendors

The City Council established a uniform tax rate for all property classes for FY2023 and approved several appropriations from Free Cash to stabilization and fuel accounts. The Council also passed a resolution urging the state to reform tax deed laws and affirmed numerous mayoral appointments.

• Appropriated $600,000 from Free Cash to reduce FY2023 tax rate (Unanimous)
• Adopted a residential factor of 1, creating an equal tax rate for all property classes (Unanimous)
• Voted that no residential or small commercial exemptions be adopted for FY2023 (Unanimous)
• Appropriated $2.2M from Free Cash to Capital Stabilization Fund 8402 (Unanimous)
• Appropriated $200,000 from Free Cash to Compensated Absences Fund 8450 (Unanimous)
• Appropriated $200,000 from Free Cash to Contract Stabilization Fund 8403 (Unanimous)
• Defeated appropriation of $100,000 from Free Cash to General Stabilization Fund 8400 (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution urging Massachusetts General Court to pass H. 3053 regarding tax deeds (Unanimous)

City Council Meeting

The Greenfield City Council will hold public hearings and second readings on repurposing $3.585 million from an anaerobic digester project to a sludge dewatering project, and on approving a $113.80 invoice from Baker's Office Supply. The council will also consider multiple ordinance amendments, a zoning change for properties on Oak Hill Road, and several appropriations from Free Cash, including $2.5 million to the Capital Stabilization Fund and $600,000 to reduce the FY2023 tax rate.

• Public hearing to repurpose $3,585,000 from Anaerobic Digestor Authorization to a Sludge Dewatering Project
• Zoning amendment to rezone 41 Oak Hill Road, portion of 75 Oak Hill Road, and Parcel R20-10T from General Industry (GI) to Rural Residential (RC)
• Appropriate $2,500,000 from Free Cash to Capital Stabilization Fund 8402
• Appropriate $600,000 from Free Cash to reduce the FY2023 tax rate
• Take from the Table – Resolution for Declaration of No Confidence for Police Chief Robert Haigh and Mayor Roxann Wedegartner

The Greenfield City Council defeated a proposal to fund an independent police department audit (0-13) and approved borrowing $500,000 for a new fire station. The council also approved several zoning and ordinance changes, including rezoning parcels on Oak Hill Road and updating tag sale and alcoholic beverage regulations. A proposal to add time limits for communications with the mayor and schools was approved (8-4).

• Defeated $100,000 police department audit (0-13)
• Approved $500,000 borrowing for new fire station construction (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning 41 Oak Hill Road, portion of 75 Oak Hill Road, and parcel R20-10T from General Industry to Rural Residential (unanimous)
• Approved repurposing $3,585,000 from Anaerobic Digester to Sludge Dewatering Project (unanimous)
• Approved amending tag sale ordinance to replace permits with registration (unanimous)
• Approved amending alcoholic beverage ordinance to extend license cancellation period from 3 to 6 months (unanimous)
• Approved amending peddling and soliciting ordinance to update background check criteria (unanimous)
• Approved amending council rules to add 10-minute time limit for communications with mayor and schools (8-4)

City Council Meeting

The City Council is considering several financial appropriations, including $1,750,000 for a new fire station and $175,000 for an independent audit of the police department. Other items include repurposing funds for transfer station door repairs and rescinding borrowing authority for the new library.

• Appropriate $1,750,000 for construction of a new Fire Station
• Appropriate $175,000 for an independent assessment/audit of the Police Department
• Rescind borrowing authorities for the New Library by $500,000
• Repurpose $57,955.54 for transfer station door parts and repairs
• Appropriate $45,000 for a Public Safety Community Task Force

The Greenfield City Council approved a $1.75 million appropriation for the new fire station construction, funded by bond premium and capital stabilization funds. It also approved repurposing $57,955.54 for transfer station door repairs, accepted a $987,000 USDA loan for the fire station, and amended sewer and water codes. A $100,000 police department audit appropriation was tabled after a motion to reduce it to $60,000 failed.

• Approved $1.75M appropriation for new fire station construction (unanimous)
• Approved repurposing $57,955.54 for transfer station door repairs (unanimous)
• Approved accepting $987,000 USDA Rural Development loan for fire station (unanimous)
• Approved sewer use code amendments (Chapter 355) (unanimous)
• Approved water code amendments (Chapter 415) (unanimous)
• Tabled $100,000 police department audit appropriation (9-3)
• Tabled $500,000 library borrowing rescission (10-2)
• Tabled $500,000 additional fire station borrowing (11-1)

City Council Special Meeting

The Greenfield City Council is holding a special meeting to consider first readings of three financial orders related to the new fire station: appropriating $1.75 million and $500,000 for construction, and rescinding $500,000 in library borrowing authorization. The mayor's memo explains these actions address a $2.7 million funding deficit due to higher-than-expected construction bids, offset by a $987,000 USDA grant and $500,000 from the Library Foundation. The council will also vote to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• First reading: Order FY23-26 to appropriate $1,750,000 for the new Fire Station, funded by $750,000 from Bond Premium and $1,000,000 from Capital Stabilization
• First reading: Order FY23-27 to rescind $500,000 in borrowing authorization for the new library
• First reading: Order FY23-28 to appropriate $500,000 for the Fire Station
• Vote to enter executive session to discuss an individual's reputation, character, or discipline
• Mayor's memo cites $987,000 USDA grant and $500,000 Library Foundation contribution to offset fire station deficit

The Greenfield City Council held a special meeting on August 31, 2022, and voted 9-1 to enter executive session to discuss the reputation, character, or discipline of an individual. No substantive public decisions were made; the meeting was primarily procedural.

• Waived rules of procedure to allow agenda items out of order (unanimous)
• Voted 9-1 to enter executive session for personnel discussion

Executive Session

The Greenfield City Council met in executive session to discuss a confidential investigative report concerning Police Chief Robert Haigh. Councilors asked questions about the scope, funding, and parties involved in the investigation, but no decisions were made regarding the chief's status. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote to exit executive session.

• Adjourned executive session (10-0)

Executive Session

The City Council is holding first readings on financial orders to address a $2.7 million deficit for the new fire station caused by inflation and higher contractor bids. The meeting also includes a vote to enter an executive session regarding a public employee or officer.

• Order No. FY23-26: Appropriate $1,750,000 for Fire Station
• Order No. FY23-27: Rescind borrowing authorization for new library by $500,000
• Order No. FY23-28: Appropriate $500,000 for Fire Station
• USDA grant award of $987,000 for the fire station
• Executive session to discuss the reputation, character, physical condition, or mental health of an individual

The Greenfield City Council met in executive session on August 31, 2022, to discuss a confidential investigative report regarding Police Chief Robert Haigh. Councilors asked questions about the scope, cost, and parties involved in the investigation, as well as the basis for Chief Haigh's paid administrative leave. No decisions were made during the session; the only vote was to adjourn (10-0).

• Voted 10-0 to adjourn the executive session at 8:40 p.m.

City Council Meeting

The City Council is meeting to decide on several amendments to its Rules of Procedure and the appointment of Meckenzie Sarage to the Human Rights Commission. The body will also consider funding for a police audit and a public safety task force.

• Order no. FY22-155: Appropriate $175,000 for police audit
• Appropriate $45,000 from Fund 8400 General Stabilization for a Public Safety Community Task Force
• Repurpose $57,955.54 for repair of transfer station doors
• Appointment of Meckenzie Sarage to the Human Rights Commission
• 15 proposed amendments to the Rules of Procedure

The Greenfield City Council voted 9-0-2 to censure Councilor Lapienski for unprofessional conduct. It also voted 9-1 to table a $175,000 police department audit order. Several amendments to council rules of procedure were approved, and a new Human Rights Commission member was confirmed.

• Censured Councilor Lapienski (9-0-2)
• Tabled Order FY22-155 for police department audit (9-1)
• Approved appointment of Meckenzie Sarage to Human Rights Commission (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Rule 1, Section A: Organizational Meeting (11-0)
• Approved amendment to Rule 1, Section C: Election of Officers (10-1)
• Approved new Section F: Council Orientation (9-1)
• Approved amendment to Rule 9, Section B(4): Community Relations and Education Committee (11-0)
• Approved amendment to Rule 12, Section A(1): Public Participation time limit (unanimous)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss appropriating $175,000 for an independent assessment of the police department's structure and practices. The meeting includes several proposed zoning amendments and the potential sale of city land on Summer Street.

• Appropriation of $175,000 from Fund 8400 for a Police Department audit
• Payment of $10,814 FY2020 invoice for Siemens Inc
• Authorization to sell City owned land on a portion of Parcel 124-53, Summer Street
• Zoning amendments regarding signs, Rural Residential District (RC) uses, and a moratorium on outdoor marijuana cultivation
• Warrant for State Primary Election for September 6, 2022

The Greenfield City Council approved a zoning amendment limiting outdoor marijuana cultivation to Tier 1 (5,000 sq ft) per license and capping licenses per entity, while defeating a proposed temporary moratorium on such facilities. The council also approved a $175,000 police department audit appropriation, but tabled it pending further discussion. Other actions included approving prior-year invoices, surplus property sales, sign regulation changes, appointments, and election-related orders.

• Approved Order FY 23-003 limiting outdoor marijuana cultivation to Tier 1 (5,000 sq ft) per license, max 3 licenses per entity, 15,000 sq ft per parcel (unanimous)
• Defeated Order FY 22-162 for a temporary moratorium on outdoor marijuana cultivation facilities (unanimous)
• Tabled Order FY 22-155 appropriating $175,000 for a police department audit (unanimous)
• Approved Order FY 22-141 paying $10,814 prior-year invoice to Siemens Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved Order FY 23-001 A1 declaring surplus and transferring land abutting 139 Harrison Avenue (11-0-1)
• Approved Order FY 23-002 A2 authorizing sale of portion of Parcel 124-53 (unanimous)
• Approved Order FY 22-142 amending sign regulations (unanimous, 10 yes)
• Approved Order FY 23-002 affirming mayoral appointments to committees (unanimous)