Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2024
Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Robert Cumming (RC), Phil Gott (PG)
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 3/20/24 as amended by PG. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0-1 (RC abstained).
Approval of the minutes from 3/26 and 3/28 was passed over since the Board hadn’t yet reviewed them.
Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant #20
The Board passed over the approval of this report since the information wasn’t yet available.
Public Comment
Several residents spoke in favor of flying the Pride flag during the month of June. Residents also expressed concern with Summit Academy’s announcement that they will be moving to TPS this summer. The residents would like to understand what is planned and want to know who will be making the decision and will Princeton residents have any say.
Appointments
none
New Business
KC made motion to approve the Class II Auto Sale of Secondhand Motor Vehicles License Renewal to Chris Goodnow Auto Sales, LLC. RC 2nd. PG asked for more detail. Is this a valid home occupation since it is not in a commercial/industrial zone. Vote was tabled until another meeting.
Discussion Regarding Mechanics Hall Disposition
KC summarized where we are with Mechanics Hall and asked what the Board wanted to do next. They agreed to form a new MH committee which would provide input to the SB on what, if anything, should be done to the RFP. The SB would set a date by which if nothing had happened, MH would be razed. The revised RFP will be reissued. KC volunteered to draft a new committee charge for review and discussion at the next meeting.
Review and Approve Revised Ecotourism Charge
KC made a motion to approved the revised ecotourism charge. RC 2nd. Voted 2-0-1 (PG abstained since he helped draft the revised charge)
Discussion Regarding Board and Committee Handbook and Annual Onboarding of New
Appointees took place. Board agreed both sounded like good ideas and will review the handbook draft.
Review and Approve New Building Permit Fees
KC made a motion to approve the new building permit fees recommended by Fred Lonardo. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0-0
Review of 2024 ATM Warrant
Karen went through the warrant. Some discussion on whether or not to include the 2 speed limit related articles and all agreed to include them. RC brought up the indemnification of public officials article being missing (later Sherry informed Karen that it is on the ballot, not warrant).
Approval of Cemetery Deeds
KC made motion to approve the sale of lots at Woodlawn Cemetery to Robert and Melissa Cumming at 123 Beaman Road. PG 2nd. Vote 2-0-1 RC abstained.
Approval of Signs
KC moved to approve the placement of earth month signs at all requested locations except PO Place because private property. RC 2nd. Vote 3-0
Correspondence and Communications
Ron Curry Request to Fly the Pride Flag
Old Business
Discuss whether or not to amend flag policy.
The board discussed how best to handle the board’s desire to fly the pride flag. Should it be listed in the flag policy or should the board issue a proclamation stating it would fly the pride flag for the month of June. The board agreed that issuing a proclamation (and needing to do it again in subsequent years) was the way they wanted to go. RC agreed to draft a proclamation and revision of the policy which refers to proclamations for the next meeting and clear it with Town Counsel.
Bid Awards
KC made motion to award the bid ($9,564) for Police Department Security Camera System Server, Software and Related Items to ACS. RC 2nd. Vote 3-0
KC made motion to reject the bids for mowing and maintenance for the Recreational Fields. RC 2nd. Vote 3-0
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
None
Town Administrator Report
none
Selectboard Report
KC mentioned there is some concern the SB and AC Budget report is turning into a department head report. PG said that he is collecting info so he can write his sections and asked others not to judge the report before seeing it. He said that all would need to review and edit the report.
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, Pursuant to the provisions of; of G.L. c. 30A, §21, ¶3, and the Chair so declares. (Fire Chief. Contract Renewal Negotiations, Highway Superintendent Contract Renewal Negotiations) and not to reconvene in open session. RC 2nd. KC aye, PG aye, RC aye.
The meeting moved into executive session at 4:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Cruise,
Selectboard