I wish to thank Al Norman for his commentary on the latest Greenfield Community Preservation Committee submissions. These comments and those we receive through our online survey, the March 19 public hearing, and emails and letters that we have received will all be included in our deliberations.
There is, however, something that Mr. Norman mentioned in his column which I believe should be clarified. The Community Preservation ordinance that was voted upon in 2020 requires that representatives of key entities be members of the Community Preservation Committee. We are required to have representatives from the Conservation Commission, the Greenfield Housing Authority, the Recreation Commission, the Planning Board, and the Historical Commission. This sometimes puts members of the committee in conflict of interest or in the appearance of conflict of interest. All members go through state conflict of interest training every two years with an annual recertification. Also, members who are in conflict of interest or have the appearance of a conflict are required to submit official conflict of interest statements with the city clerk. If members are in conflict — that they could receive a benefit from a proposal before us, they are required to recuse themselves from the discussion of that proposal in our deliberations. Recusal means leaving the room and not participating in those deliberations, including the decisions around funding.
We welcome the public’s review of our deliberations. Our deliberations will take place on March 26 at 5 p.m. at the Jon Zon Community Center and will also be available online (see City Calendar for link).
Susan Worgaftik, chair Community Preservation Committee
Greenfield