Selectboard

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

March 6, 2024

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 6:30 PM.

Approval of Minutes

KC moved to approve the minutes 02/07/2024 as amended, RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

KC moved to approve the minutes of 02/21/2024 as amended. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Public Comment

Several residents from East Princeton expressed concern over speeding traffic on Main Street, which recently resulted in a dog being hit by a car and killed. Residents appealed to the board for increased police presence and traffic calming measures to ensure the safety of residents.

Resignation

KC moved to accept the resignation of Travis Parisi from the Parks & Recreation Committee. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

New Business

Louis DiNatale, Speeding Complaint Main Street, E. Princeton. Mr. DiNatale appealed to the board to take measures to stop speeding traffic in E. Princeton. Mr. DiNatale stated he witnessed the tragic incident that that involved a dog being struck by a car and killed last week.

ARPA Allocations

KC moved to approve the following ARPA Allocations:

$124,750.00 Highway Department-Backhoe

$16,000.00 Highway Department – Culvert Repair E. Princeton Rd.

$66,628.52 Police Department-Cruiser

$10,000.00 Fire Department-Ambulance Down Payment

$13,405.00 Library- Boiler Replacement

$9,964.36 COA – Flooring

PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant #18

KC moved to approve the Treasury Report for Warrant #18 as follows:

Payroll: $130,564.41

Accounts Payable: $196,779.91

Light Department: $235,521.03

Total: $562,865.35

RC: 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Discussion Ambulance Billing

Bill Dino stated that he has done some research on billing for refusal calls. Bill advised that while they can bill for refusals, they will not bill residents and that they will not recapture all costs involved in responding to some calls. Bill noted that Medicare and Medicaid will not reimburse for refusals. KC asked if rates were comparable to other towns. Bill advised that Deputy Kelly is reviewing rates. KC moved to authorize refusal billing for non-resident ambulance calls. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Discussion Unregistered Vehicles

In response to complaints regarding unregistered motor vehicles, PG looked at other towns’ bylaws and noted that they don’t define unregistered vehicles. Northborough, Harvard and Westminster were given as examples. KC suggested referring this matter to the Planning Board. PG will follow up with the Planning Board.

Review Proposed Motions for Special Town Meeting

The board approved the proposed motions for the Special Town Meeting on March 11th as written.

Correspondence and Communications

The board approved the Annual Central Mass Striders 32nd Anniversary Wachusett Mountain Race on 5/25/2024.

175 Brook Station Road Land Conveyance

PG expressed concern that an easement or a change of boundaries may be needed if the driveway can’t be put in.

FY 25 Budget Update

RC report that Financial Team met to review the FY 25 preliminary budget. RC noted that the WRSD budget reflects a 7.1% increase over FY 24.

FY 25 Budget Report

Discussed the FY 25 Budget Report. RC will take the lead. PG will review and help with projections. The goal is to have the report out prior to the Annual Town Meeting.

Bid Awards

KC moved to award the Green Communities Weatherization Project to RISE Engineering. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants

SP discussed the new grant requirements for the DER Culvert Replacement Grant Program. SP stated that in order to apply for construction funding, DER is requesting MASSDOT approved engineer stamped plans. CEI who provided the plans for the Ball Hill Road culvert replacement project is not on the MASSDOT approved list of engineers.

Selectboard Report

KC would like to schedule a Selectboard/Department Head meeting. Meeting scheduled for Thursday March 28, 1 PM

Adjournment

KC moved to adjourn the meeting. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator