Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
September 6, 2023
Town Hall Annex & Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Robert Cumming (RC), Phil Gott (PG), Town Administrator Sherry Patch
Call to Order
Call to Order at 3:00 PM.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 8/23/2023 as amended. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Approval of Treasury Report
KC moved to approve Treasury Report Warrant #5 as follows:
Payroll $141,835.04
Accounts Payable 840,601.02
Light Department 147,846.76
Total: $1,130,282.82
RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Public Comment
Melissa Wagg and Troy Milliken commented on an application for One Day Liquor permits that are on the agenda. Melissa stated that they were recently notified by Chief Patriarca that he is requiring a detail police officer at events that Seven Saws Brewing has applied for One Day Liquor Permits for. Troy stated that there are no road disruptions and that the events will be managed by TIPS certified staff. Melissa advised that a detail officer has not been required in the past and that there have not been any issues. Melissa stated that the event (Block Party) supports small businesses, the community and charity. Troy stated that he would like the Police Chief to reconsider. KC stated that Mountainside Café was required to have a detail officer as the Chief felt it was in the best interest of public safety. KC stated that she is not comfortable overriding the Chief. RC stated that he is torn as this is a community event. PG stated that there is a need for a more definitive policy. PG would like Paul to consider feedback from Melissa and Troy. PG supports Paul’s concerns regarding public safety. PG would like Troy and Melissa to work with Paul on a collaborative solution.
Appointments
KC moved to re-appoint Dylan Stimson to the Agricultural Commission with a term to expire on 6/30/2026. RC 2nd Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Richard McKay and Charlotte Stirewalt to the position of Election Workers with terms to expire on 7/31/2024. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Claire Golding to the Waste & Recycling Committee with a term to expire on 6/30/2026.
KC moved to appoint Claire Golding to the Public Safety Building Committee with a term to expire on 6/30/2026.
New Business
A Board and Committee Chair Breakfast was scheduled for September 25, 2023 at 8:00 AM in the Town Hall Annex.
A Department Head Meeting/Selectboard meeting was scheduled for October 4, 2023 at 12:00 PM in the Town Hall Annex.
A PFAS Community Information Session will be held on October 5th at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held virtually.
Discussion Regarding Draft Flag Policy. RC will circulate a draft policy for board review and discussion at a future meeting.
FY 25 Budget
The board discussed FY 25 budget guidance for department heads. KC noted that FY 24 guidance was a 4% increase or justification of anything above that amount. KC suggested level funding with the exception of public safety. PG stated that he is not sure if that is fair. Peter Giumette suggested a level service budget. PG suggested looking at other revenue sources such as grants for some things. PG suggested a zero-based budget process. KC suggested 0% except labor. FY 25 cost increases identified include police staffing, ambulance per diem , an unserviceable ambulance and road maintenance.
Cemetery Deed Approval
KC moved to approve the Cemetery Deed to Edna Haines, 234 Mirick Rd. Princeton - Lot 6A, spaces a 7& b. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the One Day Liquor License request from Sevens Saws Brewing on 9/10/2023. RC 2nd.
One Day Liquor Licenses for events to be held on 9/23/2023 and 10/22/20 were taken under advisement pending further review and discussion with Chief Patriarca regarding his request for Detail Officers at these events.
Discussion on Communication
PG would like to hold open meeting public meetings to allow for comment and feedback that doesn’t limit speaker time. KC stated that we have tried that in the past and that meetings were sparsely attended. PG would like to set up a selectboard table at the Touch a Truck event on September 20th to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback. KC and RC advised that they are not available. KC expressed concern over one person speaking for the board.
Discussion on Economic Development
The board discussed the need to bring more revenue into the town. PG asked how we could impose fees from hikers for taxable services. Troy Milliken stated that we have a viable commercial location and should include bike lanes. Discussed Ecotourism Planning grant. SP will draft a committee charge for the board to review.
Bid Awards
SP advised that we received one bid for Line Painting. The bid was over budget. SP recommended that the board reject the bid and that the project be re-bid. KC moved to reject the Line Painting bid and re-bid the FY 24 Line Painting Project. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
SP reported that there is a Rural Small Town Grant application pending for final design and construction bid documents for a new public safety building. Also, pending is an application for Phase II of Master Plan. Grant awards are anticipated sometime in November.
Town Administrator Reports
SP discussed planning for Treasurer Collector Jim Dunbar’s retirement in December. SP advised that Asst. Treasurer Collector Melissa Hawthorne will be moving up to that position. Melissa has been training with Jim for the past four years and recently tested to become a Massachusetts Certified Treasurer. Melissa is also attending Isenberg School of Management and will obtain her undergraduate degree in finance next year. SP advised the AP Clerk/Administrative Assistant Kolette Carleton will be transitioning to the Asst. Treasurer-Collector position which will open up a vacancy in that position. SP will begin advertising to fill the vacancy to allow for training.
Selectboard Reports
KC would like to revisit discontinuing maintenance on a section of Thompson Road.
Adjournment
KC moved to adjourn the meeting. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator