Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
April 6, 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 10:30 AM
Approval of Minutes
3/22/2023 minutes held for review until next meeting.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 3/30. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye; RC: aye; KC abstain. 2-1 abstaining.
Approval of Treasury Warrant
KC moved to approve Treasury Warrant # 20. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Public Comment
Residents expressed concerns regarding funding for the proposed Public Safety Building and that the plans, and estimated costs have not been shared. KC advised that the estimated project cost is $12.5M and that $10.4M is construction costs but those figures would need to be adjusted because of the project delay.
Appointments
KC moved to appoint Ann Neuburg to the Housing Production Plan Implementation Committee. Term expires on 6/30/2026. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Brian Keevan Town Perambulator. Term expires 6/30/2028. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Submission of Articles and Citizens Petitions for Annual Town Meeting
KC moved to extend the deadline for warrant articles and Citizen’s Petitions for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on June 20th to May 15, 2023. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Temporary Sign Requests
KC moved to approve the placement of temporary signs on town property as requested by the Princeton Arts Society. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the placement of temporary signs on town property as requested by the Open Space Committee and Environmental Action Committee. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Discuss and Vote to Approve ARPA Capital Request Allocations
The Board discussed the use of ARPA funds to pay for FY 24 Capital Requests. KC expressed concern over the possibility of ARPA funds being taken back as there has been some discussion in the US Congress. KC advised that funds from ARPA have not yet been designated for use for the new Public Safety Building. KC proposed use of ARPA for capital requests and moving Free Cash into the Stabilization Account or Public Safety Building Account. KC stated that we could also wait another year to allocate ARPA funds, but that she would like to vote on design and construction documents for the Public Safety Building in the fall as legislation is pending for potential funding of public safety facilities, and we need to be shovel ready. RB stated that the Board received comments that it is undemocratic not to allow voters the opportunity to vote on use of ARPA funds for design costs; even though the Board has that authority. He gave several examples of decisions made by the Board on a regular basis without town meeting vote and noted that this is how a representative democracy works. The Board did get citizen input on the use of these funds and numerous comments on the ARPA survey suggested using them for a new Public Safety Building. Specific uses of ARPA funds does not require town meeting approval. RC stated that he is not sure how he feels and that he has not made any decisions. RB stated there is a risk to doing nothing given the condition of the current public safety building. What happens if there is structural failure and expensive repairs are neede? What happens if someone gets hurt? KC stated that employees are working in substandard conditions and that we are having a tough time getting officers and that we are recruiting a part-time paramedic/EMT for overnight 14-hour shift with no place to put them as the existing facility is insufficient and outdated. KC suggested the use of Free Cash for Capital and holding ARPA funds until fall. RB stated that a list of pros and cons for various financial approaches would be helpful. RB requested that this item be kept on the agenda for continued future discussion.
FY 24 MIIA Employee Health Insurance Proposal & Deductibles
Discussed MIIA proposal for FY 24 Health Insure. The proposal would reduce the employee deductible for family coverage from $4000 to $2000 annually and for individual coverage from $2000 to $1000 annually. The town currently reimburses the deductible through American Fidelity, which would result in a savings to the town as well. Additional MIIA will reduce the premium by .05% if the Town moves the dental plan over from Dental to BC/BS. Dental insurance is optional and 100% of the cost is paid by the employee. KC moved to approve the proposal as submitted. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Fire Chief Request for Approval to Donate Surplus Property Engine #5
Chief Bennett requested approval to donate Engine #5 to the Town of Peru. Chief Bennett advised that the truck is over 30 years old, and the Peru fire truck had a mechanical failure and is no longer useable and that there is no support in Peru for replacement of the truck. KC asked if the Chief has tried to sell it. Chief Bennett advised that they usually would through auction surplus and that they would not get much for it. RC advised that GOV Deals has a similar truck out to bid at $4000. RC stated that he would feel more comfortable with putting the truck out to bid. RB agreed. KC moved to declare Engine 5 Surplus and available for public auction. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Selectboard Reports
KC is working on a draft update for the projects page on the website. She will send it out for review.
KC moved to authorize SP to execute the PFAS Grant agreement. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
Adjournment
KC moved to adjourn the meeting. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; RB: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:43 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator