Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
January 11 , 2023
Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Richard Bisk (RB), Robert Cumming (RC), Town Administrator Sherry Patch (SP)
Call to Order
KC called the meeting to order at 9AM.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 12/14/22 as amended. RC 2nd. Roll call vote: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 12/28/22 as amended. RC 2nd. Roll call vote: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
KC introduced recently appointed Town Clerk Alissa Horsung to those in attendance.
Appointments/Resignation
KC moved to accept the resignation of Holly Walton from the Master Plan Committee. RC 2nd. Roll call vote: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
New Business
Discussed scheduling a Special Town Meeting. SP noted that the PFA’S bond payment is due at the end of March. Other potential articles include appropriating funds for the replacement of the water tank at the Thomas Prince School, and a septic easement for Harrington Farm.
KC moved to hold a Special Town Meeting on March 7th at 7PM in the cafetorium at the Thomas Prince School. RC 2nd. Roll call vote: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Discussed returning to regular schedule per the town bylaws for the Annual Town Meeting. During COVID the meetings have been held on Saturdays.
KC moved to hold the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 9th at 6:30 PM in the cafetorium at the Thomas Prince School. RC 2nd. Roll call vote: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
SP requested that the board schedule a public informational meeting for presentation of the preliminary design of and to receive feedback on the Worcester Road Improvements Project. The town recently received a $498,0003 Complete Streets grant for improvements that include new sidewalks, signage, crosswalks and drainage. A Public Informational Meeting was scheduled for February 13th at 6:30 PM.
The SB discussed their role with regard to Town Buzz. RB requested clarification if Town Buzz is a SB activity. KC advised that Town Buzz has been a Council on Aging activity since 2016. The board agreed to post Town Buzz meeting in advance and to notify all selectboard members of the topics to be discussed in advance. Town Buzz is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the COA/Community Center. Town Buzz schedule is as follows:
- 1/25/2023 Property Taxes/ Assessment Process
- 2/8/2023 MRI Audit Discussion Fire and EMS - Tentative
- 2/22/2023 MRI Audit Discussion Police Department-Tentative
Discussed next steps regarding speeding issues including possibly appointing a committee, policy development and budget. RC will put steps and budget together for discussion at the next meeting.
Next Board, Committee chair breakfast to be held on February 27th at 8AM in the Annex.
Discussed returning to in person meetings. The legislation that allowed virtual meetings is scheduled to expire on March 31st. The Board decided to wait until there is clear guidance from the State.
KC will update projects page on the website.
Discussed well on Thompson Road as potential water storage for fire suppression. KC expressed concern that the location is close to the PFA’s border on the edge of the outside area but not far. SP to discuss with Tighe & Bond.
Adjournment
KC moved to adjourn RC 2nd. Roll call vote: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:02 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator