Town of Princeton, MA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Regular Meeting
January 20, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM. Present were Joe O’Brien, Alan Sentkowski and Town Administrator Dennis Rindone. Chairman Raymond Dennehy was absent.
FY09 Warrant #15
The Board reviewed and signed the payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer & Accountant.
Minutes
January 5, 2009 Regular Meeting – Alan made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0).
January 5, 2009 Executive Session – Alan made a motion to accept the minutes not to be released at this time. Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0).
Crowley Family Donation- David Crowley
The Crowley family donated $2,500.00 to the town for the 250th Celebration. The Board thanked David and his family for the generous donation.
Ballot Question #2 – Police Chief Schmohl
Chief Schmohl and Lieutenant Powers were present for the discussion. The new law to decriminalize the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana or TCH went into effect on January 2, 2009. The police department will enforce a fine of $100.00. The Board reviewed the temporary citations, which spell out the offense of marijuana/THC possession on one line and “other” civil offenses on another line. Other offenses would include littering, pedestrian or bicycling offenses. The Board recommends removing the marijuana/THC possession and keeping the “other” section that would allow the offense to be written and avoid any confusion over having marijuana/THC possession on every citation. Chief Schmohl agreed and will have the citations printed.
There was discussion about amending the town bylaws to include marijuana smoking on public property. The Board is not inclined to amend the bylaw since smoking marijuana is illegal. They will take it under advisement.
Alan moved that any money collected from the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana or THC, consistent with the provisions of MGL Chapter 40, Section 21D, be deposited in the Drug Forfeiture account #29-5-210-01. Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0).
Class II License Renewals
Alan moved to approve the Class II Agent and Sellers License to expire on January 1, 2010, for:
- Chris Goodnow Auto Sales, LLC
- Stephen Zottoli, dba SZ Auto
- Princeton Enterprises, Inc
Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0). The Board signed the renewals.
Select Board Meeting – January 27, 2009
Dennis recommends the Board hold an additional meeting on Monday, January 27 at 6:00 pm to discuss the 2008 ice storm, STM warrant, and the FY10 budget. The Board agreed.
Town Flag Presentation
Stacy Belculfini displayed the completed flag to the Board. They were delighted with the final outcome, which represents all aspects of the town. The Board thanked Stacy and her group for all the hard work. The presentation to the Commonwealth will take place on Thursday, January 29 at 11:00 am at the Great Hall of Flags in the State House. 140 Princeton students and 20 teachers will attend.
Historical Society Request – Geo-Cache
The Historical Society wants to hold a historical geo-cache to find historical locations in town as part of the 250th celebration. Alan moved to approve historical geo-cache as presented. Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0).
6th Annual Unsung Heroines of Massachusetts
The Board will work on considering nominees for the event. The deadline for nominations is February 27, 2009.
Outstanding Citizens Award
The Board will provide their nomination ideas to Dennis.
Parks & Recreation Committee - Resignation
Alan moved to accept, with regret the resignation of Deb Cary from the Parks & Recreation Committee. Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0).
Parks & Recreation Committee - Appointment
Alan moved to appoint Ronald Milenski, presently an alternate member, to serve as a full member with a term to expire on June 30, 2009. Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0).
Advisory Board - Appointments
Alan moved to appoint Andrew J. Cudemore, presently a full member to serve as an alternate member with a term to expire June 30, 2009. Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0).
Alan moved to appoint John W. Shipman, presently an alternate member, to serve as a full member with a term to expire June 30, 2009. Joe seconded. All in favor (2-0).
Historical Commission – Mechanics Hall
The Commission would like to find a resolution to Mechanics Hall. Short term, they would like to see the building painted and a light installed. Dennis will arrange to have
the building spruced up and pot holes filled in for a less abandoned appearance. Long-term ideas include forming a subcommittee of interested groups or selling to a developer with restrictions was discussed. Dennis will work with the TPIC to determine a long-term solution.
Historical Commission –Demolition Bylaw Discussion
The Commission would like a new bylaw that would delay the demolition of any structure 75 years old, or older. Dennis will determine if the Planning Board should be
Historical Commission –Demolition Bylaw Discussion (continued from previous page)
involved in developing the bylaw. The Commission will write up their ideas and bring back to the Board.
Paxton BOS Correspondence- WRSD Invitation
The Board reviewed a letter from the Paxton BOS to Dr. Pandiscio informing the District they cannot support any assessment amount in FY10. Dennis will invite Dr. Pandiscio and Margaret Watson to the Select Board meeting on February 2nd to discuss FY10 budget issues.
Leo Montagna vs. Town of Princeton Update
The hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2009 at 11:30 am.
FY08 Ice Storm- Update
Dennis attended FEMA meetings. The next step will involve working with FEMA to go through all paperwork related to the storm.
Old Colony Road Pedestrian Footbridge
Deb Cary was present for the discussion. The Open Space Committee would like to revisit the idea of a pedestrian footbridge on Old Colony Road. The Committee will explore with the community and the neighborhood and determine if it’s feasible.
The Board will support the Committee in this process.
Gates Road – Reconvened Tree Hearing
The hearing opened at 6:50 pm. Raymond Dennehy was absent. Glen Lyons, Jon Fitch, Larry Greene, Tom Lynch and members of the Board all attended the hearing on site on January 10. Jon Fitch agreed to place the poles prior to cutting trees in an effort to avoid unnecessary tree cutting and will trim rather than cut whenever practical.
Joe suggests PMLD set poles before trees are cut and work with the Tree Warden to decide if trees need to be removed or trimmed according to the drainage ditches required by the Highway Department.
Residents expressed concern over losing the rural character with the loss of the trees. They are upset that after all their work to protect the land, it will now be changed. There was also concern about learning about the road project in fragmented sections.
The Board explained everyone is working hard not to remove trees unless absolutely necessary and that they have a road to maintain for safety of all residents and cost control.
PMLD will set poles before trees are cut with the hope of saving as many trees as possible. Residents are encouraged to attend Road Advisory meetings to find out additional details about the road project.
Joe moved to close the hearing at 7:20 pm and go into executive session for the purpose of contract negations, not to return to regular meeting. Alan seconded. All in favor (2-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________
Brenda Savoie
Administrative Secretary
| 
