GREENFIELD — Amid a busy agenda of proposed ordinances and city finances, City Council took time during its four-hour meeting last week to recognize the community service of a former Precinct 7 resident.
Kate Broughton, who formed the Precinct 7 Neighbors Network, has long been a community advocate and positive spirit in the area, Precinct 7 Councilor Sarah Bolduc said.
“As the founder of the Precinct 7 Neighbors Network, a grassroots group dedicated to the well-being and improvement of the neighborhood, your thoughtfulness, determination and genuine community advocacy have inspired this group of residents to become truly engaged citizens who now meet regularly to not only consider the needs of their local streets but all of Precinct 7,” Bolduc said, reading a letter the council signed to Broughton.
Bolduc said that due to family needs, Broughton has had to move away from Greenfield.
“It was just a real pleasure to get to know Kate and to work with her. And the Precinct 7 Neighbors Network does still exist,” Bolduc said. “They are still trying to work for the good of Greenfield at large, and we’re hopeful that we can actually continue into the future.”
During public comment, community members also voiced appreciation for Broughton.
“Kate’s leaving Greenfield, and that’s a great loss for Precinct 7 and the city,” former Precinct 7 Councilor William “Wid” Perry said. “She never wavered in her support, her kindness and collaboration with me, because that’s the kind of person she is — compassionate, forgiving, caring, personable, dedicated and collaborative.”
Perry said Broughton oversaw community cleanups, helped draft a noise ordinance and was always looking out for her neighbors.
“Everybody’s not able to serve on council or on the committees and the boards, but people can serve in other ways,” Perry said. “And Kate is a great example of giving back to the community in ways that people really don’t see.”
GCET funding
In other business, the council voted to increase the budget for Greenfield Community Energy and Technology (GCET) by $180,769 to match what was originally supposed to be appropriated for the community utility.
In July, when City Council voted on the fiscal year 2027 budget, it voted to approve just over $2.2 million in funding for GCET; however, it was noted by Precinct 5 Councilor Marianne Bullock that the amount printed in the budget was supposed to be more than $2.38 million. The council is not permitted to increase the budget, only reduce it, so in July, the council voted to approve the smaller amount, with the plan being that the mayor would return with a supplemental appropriation request.
Councilors approved the appropriation Wednesday night with no discussion.
Appointments
Councilors also voted to accept the mayor’s recommendations of several appointments to different boards and committees. They are: Irene Woods to the Board of License Commissioners, with a term ending in December 2028; Marsha Stone to the Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund Committee to fill the rest of a term set to expire in December 2026; Morgan Aronson as alternate on the Mayor’s Task Force Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, with a term ending in December 2029; and Jaimye Bartak as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals, with a term ending in December 2029.
