Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2023
Town Hall Annex and Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Robert Cumming (RC), Town Administrator Sherry Patch (SP)
Absent: Richard Bisk (RB)
Call To Order
KC called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 3/8/2023. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 3/9/2023. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 3/16/2023. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
Public Comment
The board received public comment regarding the status of the Station 2 Paving Project and the draft MRI Fire Department Assessment Report and Police Chief recruitment process conducted by MRI.
Solar Farm Warrant Articles
Planning Board Chair, John Mirick briefed the board on three Town Meeting warrant articles that will authorize a change in use for a solar farm at the old landfill site and authorize the board to issue an RFP to lease the site for a solar farm. The authorization would provide for a 30-year lease on the property.
Public Hearing-Mountainside Bakery & Café
The Public Hearing on the application of Katherine Huck, d/b/a Mountainside Bakery & Café for a change of premises opened at 9:15AM. KC read the legal notice. Ms. Huck gave an overview of the request stating that she would like to continue being able to utilize the outside areas of the property, which was allowed during COVID. The board expressed concerns regarding the number (350) of people that might be anticipated at an event as well as parking concerns and bathroom availability on the site. Ms. Huck advised that they have not hosted an event with over 50 people. KC advised that the board would like to refer this request to the Planning Board for review. KC moved to close the hearing. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0. KC Moved to send the application to the Planning Board for review. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0. KC moved to adjourn the hearing to April 26, 2023 at 9:15AM. The hearing will be held in person at the Town Hall Annex and virtually. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
Zoom Virtual Meeting Platform
The board discussed switching from gotomeeting to the Zoom virtual meeting platform. KC stated that GoToMeeting is lacking some features the are offered by Zoom that will help for better experience for people attending virtually. The pricing is reasonable. KC and SP will work on transitioning to the new platform. RC asked if the board will be able to decide for themselves if they want to meet in person or virtually. KC stated that running a virtual session is a benefit to residents who may not be able to attend in person and she recommended continuing it. Coaching is available if boards or committees need assistance with running a virtual session.
2023 Wachusett Mountain Road Race
KC moved to approve the 2023 Wachusett Road Race. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
2022 Annual Town Report Cover Photo Contest
The board considered photo submissions for the 2023 Annual Town Report Cover. KC moved to feature the Krashes Barn photo that was submitted by Rick Gardner. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
Annual Outstanding Citizen’s Award
The board will accept nominations for the 2022 Annual Outstanding Citizen Award. Nominations may be submitted to the Town Administrator. A winner will be announced at the Annual Town Meeting.
Renewal PFAS Clock Tower BANS
KC move to approve the sale of a BAN in the amount of $1,333,000 (PFAS $945,000 and Clock Tower $388,000) to Fidelity Capital Markets. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0. Note: The term of the BAN is one year, and the interest rate is 4%.
Postpone Annual Town Meeting. Discuss delaying until June.
KC advised that Paxton is delaying their Town Meeting until June. Karen advised that the Financial Team still has a lot of work to do and that there is still a lot up in the air. Delaying the Town Meeting will allow more time to get needed information. KC moved to postpone the Annual Town Meeting until June 20, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the Thomas Prince School. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
Bid Awards
Cemetery Mowing and Grounds Keeping
KC moved to award the contract for Cemetery Mowing and Grounds Keeping to Einstein Solutions, Inc. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0. The contract has a 3-year term. Total contract value is $86,922 $28,974.00 per year.
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
School Zone Traffic Calming Speed Feedback Speed Limit Sign Award
KC moved to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the Memorandum of Agreement. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
Town Administrator Reports
SP advised that she is preparing the bid package for paving the driveway at Station 2. SP reported on Department Warrants for Warrant #19 as follows:
Payroll $138,872.60
Accounts Payable 183,856.04
Light Dept. 142,641.69
Total: $465,370.33
Selectboard Reports
KC reported that she is working with the Financial Team on the FY 24 Budget. The next budget presentation will be held on 3/27/2023 at 6:30 PM.
Adjournment
KC moved to adjourn. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC aye; RC aye. Voted: 2-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:53 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator