Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
May 17, 2023
Town Hall Annex & Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Robert Cumming (RC), Phil Gott (PG) Town Administrator Sherry Patch (SP)
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 3:00 PM
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 5/10/2023. RC 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Public Comment
Advisory Committee Chair, Peter Giumette advised that the Advisory Committee public hearing on the Warrant articles will be in person in the Town Hall Annex and also virtual. Residents posed questions concerning PFAS safety protocols for highway workers when cleaning culverts and the operation and maintenance of the proposed treatment system for the drainpipe at 30 Mountain Road including the power source and monitoring the effluent discharge. KC and SP will follow up with Barry Fogel and LSP Jeff Arps on these items.
Resignations
KC moved to accept the resignation of Stephen Jones and Phil Gott from the Environmental Action Committee. RC 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Maintenance of Thomas Prince School Trails
KC moved to authorize the Open Space Committee to main the trails at the Thomas Prince Schools. RC 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Vulnerable Road User Program
KC moved to participate in the MASSDOT Vulnerable User Road program to approve the locations for sign placement as recommended by Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf. RC 2nd. Voted 2-0.
One Mission Road Race Request
The board received a request for permission to hold a 5K/10K Road Race on November 4th to benefit One Mission a pediatric non-profit organization. Chief Patriarca has approved the request as it will not involve any public ways. KC moved to approve the One Mission Non-Profit Road Race. RC 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Police Department Written Directive Policy
This matter is on hold. Selectboard member PG has questions. No action was taken.
Tighe & Bond Requests
1. Shed location for treatment system for pipe discharge at 30 Mountain Rd.
2. Catch basin cleaning at 30 Mountain Rd,
3.Expanding Sampling Criteria,
4. Pursue Permit for POET at 23 Hubbardston Road
KC moved to approve construction of she on Town property. RC 2nd for discussion. RC requested further clarification of information. KC and SP to follow up with Jeff Arps.
Discussed Tighe & Bond request for catch basin cleaning below the 30 Mountain Road pipe outfall location. Tighe & Bond is requesting that the town remove the sediment and stockpile it at the DPW so it can be tested for PFAS.
Discussed seeking a DEP permit for installation of a POET at 23 Hubbardston Road (Princeton House of Pizza). KC noted that we are not required to install a POET at this location as it is under the 20 ppt limit. This location is a designated public water system. KC moved to pursue a permit for installation of a POET at Princeton House of Pizza. RC 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Discussed criteria for expanding the requirement for additional PFAS sampling when the 500ft radius from a detection falls within a larger land parcel and the adjacent lot is captured by the radius but the well on the adjacent lot is not. The board discussed expanding the area if the fingerprint is the same.
Review Annual Town Meeting Warrant and FY 24 Budget Discussion
KC noted the increase in elections and registration budget. Also noted was the increase in the building maintenance budget, which includes a small capital request for walkway improvements at the library and Bagg Hall. A 5.8% increase in general government was noted. KC moved to approve Article 4. RC 2nd. PG noted the need to increase ambulance fees. PG suggested that fees be reviewed and increased to the maximum allowed. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve Article 4B. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve Article 4C. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve Article 4D. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve Article 4E. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve Article 4F. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve Article 5. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Article 7. ambulance purchase of approximately $475K the board discussed a possible lease purchase.
Article 8. emergency backup generator purchase for the fuel pump at the highway department. Under advisement for further information regarding options and needs.
Correspondence and Communications
Steven Therrien requests approval for placement of 3 lawn signs on Town Common and a 10 ft banner on the fence at Krashes field for the Vanessa Marcotte Memorial Road Race
KC moved to approve the request for placement of signs as requested RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Adjournment
KC moved to adjourn the meeting. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator