Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
June 28, 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
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 6/7/2023. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 6/14/2023. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Approval of Treasury Report #26
Kc moved to approve Treasury Report #25 as follows:
Payroll: $123,917.07
Accounts Payable: $136,039.50
PMLD: $ 67,388.22
Total: $327,344.79
RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Public Comment
Selectboard members responded to a question regarding their vision for Princeton and if they feel that it would be comparable to Harvard or Sterling. KC stated that she lived in Harvard for 10 years and that she feels Princeton today is similar to Harvard twenty years ago. PG stated that he thinks that we can hold on to our rural character and there are housing issues and that more tax revenue is needed to meet the requirements that are imposed on us. PG stated revenue from investments and housing, commercial and small business are needed. PG stated that we need to reach out and help people without holding the town back.
Appointments
KC moved to appoint Carla Royak Voltaro to the Cultural Council with a term to expire on 6/30/2026 RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Jennifer Vuona to the Cultural Council with a term to expire on 6/30/2025. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Joya Mutti to the Cultural Council with a term to expire on 6/302026. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Lesley Mozola to the Cultural Council with a term to expire on 6/30/2024. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Lynn Grettum to the Cemetery Commission with a term to 2026. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
New Business
KC moved to approve the Entrance/Driveway Permit for 342 Hubbardston Road Map 11.0/2/1. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
July Meeting Schedule
The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 26th at 3:00 PM u
Next Steps Public Safety Building Final Design & Construction
KC would like to contact Caolo & Bieniek to discuss design review with regard to where it fits in and when and who will do the review. PG stated that it does not need to hold up the site work. Concerns have been expressed that a jail cell is not needed but that we would have to have personnel with the prisoners and pay for meals, etc. Chief Patriarca may not want cells. PG would like the design reviewed with Chief Patriarca. Also discussed 2nd floor mezzanine with 2nd option for structural support for eventual occupancy. Review of Fire side by NFPA is possible. Police side may be difficult. KC would like to move forward and engage Caolo & Bieniek in the final Design and Construction bid documents. RC stated that he wants to make sure Ian has finished researching Krashes and meet with Ian and Karl to discuss their findings. KC discussed forming a Public Safety Building Working group to assist the architects with the project. KC stated that she would like to chair the group. KC stated that the meeting would be open to the public. Meeting agendas would be posted, and minutes would be taken. RC questioned if this would pose a conflict for KC as the board would be making contracting decisions. SP will check with Town Counsel. KC & SP will meet with Chief Patriarca to review the Public Safety building Plans.
Review and Approve Year End Department Transfers
KC moved to approve the FY 23 Year End Transfers as follows:
From General Debt/Int. to Building Repairs $5,000
From Health Insurance to Snow & Ice Roadway Treatments $54,000
From General Debt/Int. to Snow & Ice Roadway Treatments $5,000
From General Debt/Int to Veterans Benefits $900
From Health Insurance to Other Professional Services $1,200
From Cemetery Revolving to Cemetery Bldg. Repair $500
From library Misc Supplies to Library Telecom $573.97
From Library Professional Dev.to Dues Membership/Licensing $100
From Exp. Library Aid Grants to Dues Membership Licensing $186
RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Correspondence/Communications
The board discussed Princeton Day event and the proposed venue at the Heritage Bible Church. KC advised that she has received complaints in past as the church is not welcoming to all. KC stated that if all residents don’t feel welcome then perhaps the event should not be held there. KC moved to request that the event be held at Krashes Field. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
The board acknowledged receipt of a letter from Senator Markey regarding the Fire Station Act (S. 977). Senator Markey advised that the Bill is in conference, but that he would support it once it is out of conference.
KC acknowledged receipt of email correspondence from Terry Hart regarding Town Meeting. KC advised that she responded to the email individually.
RC acknowledged receipt of an email from Wendy Pape on behalf of the COA that the Council was upset that they were not involved in the Boston Post Cane award. RC advised that the families requested that the presentation be kept small.
KC acknowledged that the board was in receipt of a law suit from the Ervin’s regarding the fire in 2017. KC will draft a town news for Town Counsel to review prior to sending it out to make sure that the information is public.
Bid Awards
FY 24 Fuel Awards (Diesel, Gas and Propane)
KC moved to award the FY 24 Unleaded gasoline contract to Dennis K. Burke. (Markup 0.85 per gal) and to authorize the Town Administrator execute the contract documents. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to award the FY 24 Diesel Fuel contract to Dennis K. Burke (mark up 0.85 per gal + .05 winter blend)and to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the contract documents. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to award the FY 24 Heating Oil contract to R.J. McDonald Inc. (markup 0.899 per gal + $11.35 per bottle winter additive) and to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the contract documents. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to award the FY 24 Propane bid to R.J. McDonald Inc. (0.749 per gal.) and to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the contract documents. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Selectboard Reports
RC would like to work on policies and has begun researching various policies. PG reported that his first meeting with the two Chiefs happened and that the two departments are working well together. Metrics were discussed. Both agree that organization is needed. Discussed record keeping and IT needs, including a shared drive. Meetings will be held monthly. Peter Giumette asked if an Advisory Committee liaison could attend meetings as well. PG will run this by the Chiefs. KC stated that she had hoped to get the budget report out 4 weeks before the Annual Town Meeting but wasn’t able to do so. She will post it on the town finances section of the website. She is working on a summary for FY 24 pass it by the rest of the Board for review.
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. The Chair so declares. Pursuant to the provisions of; of G.L. c. 30A, §21, ¶3. (Police Union Negotiations). KC announced that the board will not be returning to open session. RC 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded. RC: aye; PG aye, KC aye. Voted 3-0.
The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 4:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator