Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
April 17, 2024
Town Hall Annex and Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Robert Cumming (RC), Phil Gott (PG), 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 4/4/2024 as amended.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 3/26/2024 as amended. RC 2nd. RC did not attend this meeting. Voted 2-0-1 RC abstain.
Hold minutes of 3/28/2024 for review and approval at the next meeting.
Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant #20 & 21
KC moved to approve Treasury Warrant Report # 20 as follows:
Payroll: $ 67,837.12
Accounts Payable: $1,740,661.97
Light Department: $ 190,566.26
Total: $2,099,065.35
RC: 2nd Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve Treasury Warrant Report # 21 as follows:
Payroll: $ 140,838.61
Accounts Payable: $1,781,359.22
Light Department: $ 99,405.47
Total: $2,021,603.90
RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Public Comment
Light Department Manager Sean McKeon commented on the removal of two trees for the Worcester Road Complete Streets Project. Sean advised that the PMLD will have to move a pole and three phase transformer if the trees stay and increase the angle of the corner which will result in The Barn losing some parking space. Sean stated that they can do it but that it will be expensive (approximately $30k). These costs would be charged to the project. Sean also noted the potential impact to impact to The Barn during the relocation as the power will have to be shut off and generators brought in for the refrigerators. Helga Lyon spoke against the removal of the trees. Helgas suggested ending the sidewalks stating that there is no need to extend the sidewalks to PMLD. Gabi Bennett owner of The Barn restaurant spoke in favor of the removal of the trees. Gabi stated that she and her husband love the sidewalk project. Gabi stated that trees no longer bloom and dangle in the road. The cost to remove the trees is costly and the town will have to pay for the removal in the future. Gabi advised that the restaurant cannot go without power for longer than four hours. Dennis Pomerleau spoke against the removal of the trees. Dennis stated that there is a value to roadside shade trees. Dennis stated that this would be a trade-off to walkway that won’t be used, which doesn’t make sense. Dennis stated that he supports the Tree Warden’s decision not to remove the trees. Jane Morrison asked if there are funds to replace the trees.
Appointments
KC moved to appoint Ian Catlow to the Public Safety Building Committee. Term to 6/30/2026. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
No action was taken on the appointment of Mike Warren to the Cemetery Commission. Hold for Cemetery Commission recommendation.
New Business
Discuss and Possible Vote to Approve and Accept Deed 175 Brook Station Road
PG advised that the debris still remains. PG stated that he would hold off until everything is done. KC expressed concerns. RC stated that he struggles with the fact that this falls back on the town Conservation Commission. No action was taken on this matter.
Discuss Tree and Possible Vote or Removal of Two Trees on Worcester Road
KC advised that a Tree Hearing was held last week on the removal of two trees for the sidewalk project on Worcester Road. Because objections to the removal of the trees were received the decision to remove the trees is up to the selectboard. The Tree Warden has advised that the trees are in good health. RC stated that he is opposed to moving the pole as it is expensive and would be disruptive to the business. Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf advised that one tree is a hazard. KC moved to stop the sidewalk at the southern entrance of The Barn Restaurant and resume it at the northern entrance. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the Caolo & Bieniek Scope of Work for Public Safety Building and Agreement for Services and to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the contract documents. RC 2nd. PG noted that the scope of work includes a new well and septic. RC questioned why we haven’t asked voters for the full project including construction costs. RC said he does not see grant funds being available for this project. KC stated that in order to leverage any grants funds shovel ready construction documents are needed. RC stated that we should go to ballot for a vote. KC stated that we are not ready, that voters want to see what they are getting. PG stated that we will have 5 years or so to shop around. PG Also noted that the voters approved this current path at the last ATM and that we should stay with that path. Voted 2-1 (RC)
ARPA Allocation for Holiday Lights. No action was taken on this matter.
Discuss FY 25 Preliminary Budget and Possible Vote to Approve FY 25 Budget
The board considered delaying the Annual Town Meeting to May 29th or June 4th to allow more time to finalize the budget. The board also discussed a warrant article to appropriate funds for grant writing services and grant matching (cash) requirements.
KC moved to approve the draft Mechanics Hall Committee Charge RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Correspondence and Communications
KC noted that she talked to Dot Odgren who was disappointed that Wachusett Garden Club is not able to post announcements on Town News.
Old Business
None
Bid Awards
KC moved to award the contract for IT Consulting Services to Suzor. RC 2nd. So voted 3-0.
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
Community One Stop Portal is open beginning May 2nd. Applications due by 6/5. Expressions of Interest will be accepted until April 30th. Grant matches of 10% are required for most programs. I submitted an EOI for Ball Hill Road Culvert Replacement. They identified the Mass Works and Rural Development Fund programs. The estimated cost for this project is $187K. The grant match requirement is 10%. ARPA or Warrant Article.
Town Administrator Report
SP gave an update Traffic Calming Work group meeting held last Thursday (4/11). Attending Chief Patriarca and Highway Supt. Ben Metcalf. Chief Patriarca discussed purchasing a handheld laser radar gun. Grant funds are available for this purchase. The PD also received a Traffic Grant for various traffic enforcement (Click it or ticket, distracting driving, etc). A radar speed back sign has been installed on Brookstation Road and Main Street in E. Princeton at the intersection of Gleason Road. Ben will also be installing a speed radar sign on Ball Hill Road. Speed Radar Feedback signs are also on Mountain and Hubbardston Roads. Also discussed speed bumps/humps and tables. Ben feels it is necessary to reduce the speed limits before installing these measures. Reducing the speed limit articles have been placed on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for ATM vote.. SP will contact CMRPC to discuss traffic counts for Ball Hill Road, Leominster Road and Radford Road and any others the board recommends. Discussed painting fog lines on some roads to help narrow and slow traffic down. This will also give pedestrians a safer place when walking. Also, will look at Walk Audits and other services CMRPC provides. Residents with concerns and/or suggestions can email the Town Administrator. MassDOT Is conducting a signage study (GPI engineering) and will be making recommendations for signage. Ben has a crew on Sterling Road today addressing ditches. Beaman will take some time. The plan is to order piping for drainage improvements and rip rap in July. Mirick Road is in progress. Pothole filling is in progress.
Selectboard Report
RC suggested a Financial Policy review by Best Practices Grant Program. Best Practices grant opens in August. KC noted that the Town’s Financial Policies were modeled after many of the Towns that used the Best Practice Program. PG asked about a $325K debt exclusion listed on the DLS Gateway for FY 24. SP will look into this.
Executive Session
KC moved to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government’s bargaining position. And the chair declares so. The Chair declares so. Pursuant to the provisions of; of G.L. c. 30A, §21, ¶3. (Fire Chief Contract Renewal Negotiations, Highway Superintendent Contract Renewal Negotiations). RC: 2nd Roll Call Vote: KC: aye, RC aye; PG aye. Voted 3-0.
KC announced that the board will not reconvene in open session.
Regular session adjourned at 4:58PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator