Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2024-Amended 03/06/2024
Town Hall Annex and Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Robert Cumming (RC), Phil Gott (PG), Town Administrator Sherry Patch (SP)
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 1/24/24 as amended. RC 2nd. Voted:3-0.
Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant #16
KC moved to approve Treasury Report for Warrant # 16 as follows:
Payroll $ 146,716.71
Accounts Payable $1,697,386.89
Light Department $ 228,831.69
Total: $2,072.935.29
Public Comment
Helga Lyon commented on the use of ARPA Funds to fund the Police Union contract. Helga noted the budget is up 35% and that the increase is excessive and was not approved by the voters. Helga stated that funding is available in the wage reserve and/or reserve funds.
Appointments
KC moved to appoint Tom Kokernak to the Public Safety Building Committee. Term to 6/30/2026. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Selectboard Meeting Recording Policy
KC gave an overview of a draft Recording Policy. PFAS Community Information Session Records to be archived. SP and IT Committee looking at ways to preserve recordings. The GoTo Meeting platform only saves the recordings for one year. RC asked if the recordings could be uploaded to You Tube. KC moved to approve the policy as amended by PG. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Discussion Draft Town News Policy
KC discussed the draft Town News Policy. KC and SP have been limiting to Town boards and committees. RC asked about the process. KC Advised that requests are usually sent to the Town Clerk. Non-Profits have been allowed in the past. KC proposed two options. Option 2 would allow town-based nonprofits to use Town News. PG stated that he would lean more towards Option 2 citing that the town does not have a newspaper and this would be a more community focused option. Discussed adding a community link to the website for nonprofits. KC moved to approve Option 1. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Review and Possibly Approve Draft Citizen Communications Publication Policy
KC leaning towards a section on the website where emails are available. PG emails are public records. What other purpose is served by posting on website. KC the goal to raise the level of discourse. SP advised that emails and correspondence are archived and available if requested. No action was taken on this matter.
Discuss Coordinating a Meeting with DEP And DPH Related to PFAS in Princeton
RC discussed a meeting that was held with the DEP and DPH to discuss the PFAS issue in Westminster. Bob would like to hold a similar meeting for an update and to learn about new requirements that are pending. SP Will coordinate a meeting with DEP and DPH for some time in April when the next PFAS Community Information session is scheduled.
Possible Vote to Use ARPA Funds to Increase FY 24 Police Budget
KC thought the reason why we were going to STM to approve the contract. However, we are not allowed to discuss the contract until it is funded. We would only be able to request funds. KC stated it feels like a waste of a Town Meeting. PG thought there were only two option to get Town Meeting approval of Funds or ARPA. Discussed use of the Wage Reserve. SP advised that there is $25K in the wage reserve. SP contacted Labor Counsel to discuss possible ARPA allocation in lieu of Town Meeting approval of appropriation. Counsel will look into this. No action was taken on this matter pending further review by Town Counsel.
Approve and Sign Presidential Primary Warrant
KC moved to approve the Presidential Primary Warrant. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Request for Funding for and Independent Audit of Trust Funds
The board acknowledged receipt of a letter from Trustee of Trust Fund Chair, Janelle Utter requesting funding for an audit of Trust Funds. PG advised that Bill Holder is looking into a more cost-effective solution. No action was taken on this request.
Discussion New Public Safety Building
KC advised that the Committee has met twice. SP has reached out to the architects to discuss proposal changes. Brian Keevan is looking at potential environmental issues around wetlands. The Barre Police Chief has reviewed the plans. Chief Patriarca is scheduling a debriefing. RC asked if jail cells are included and the cost for monitoring prisoners 24/7. PG noted that we have to monitor our prisoners no matter where they are and that it may result in a decrease in costs. RC proposed a debt exclusion for financing the building at the next election and Town Meeting. RC stated that we need to be prepared to fund the whole thing and that he is not convinced that grant funds are available. PG stated that we need more accurate costs before voting. RC stated that he would also like a better understanding of what we’re going to do with the other buildings. KC noted the vision in the JWA Report, but that no decisions have been made.
Bid Awards
None
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
SP advised that the Mass Trails grant for the Thomas Prince School Universal Accessibility Project was submitted. We are seeking $25K in grant funding and requesting a $2,500 town cash match. Matching funds will be appropriated at a future town meeting. The committee is committing in kind services of $2,500.
Town Administrator Report
None
Selectboard Report
RC would like to take another look at purchasing the property at 30 Mountain Road. KC recommended further discussion with Counsel. RC suggested possibly appointing a committee. PG noted that there is a group interested in housing and a park at that location.
RC reported that there is a slight decrease in the FY 25 Library budget request.
Adjournment
KC moved to adjourn the meeting. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:42 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator