Town of Princeton, MA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Regular Meeting
September 28, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM. Present were Chairman Alan Sentkowski, Raymond Dennehy, Joe O’Brien and Town Administrator John Lebeaux.
Representative Lew Evangelidis
Representative Lew Evangelidis met with the Board. The following issues were discussed:
- Quinn Bill- a major problem for many communities. The state is no longer funding. Communities are responsible for the full amount. One option may be to rescind Quinn funding at the annual town meeting and have a salary incentive in its place. The best resolution is for the state to rescind Quinn. Alan is in discussion with the MMA.
- Ethics – this requires an annual commitment and funding may not be available. MMA is trying to get clarity on this.
- Special Election – Alan noted this is an unexpected expense. Lew believes funding might be allocated from the “rainy day” fund.
- Raymond asked about the status of the remaining 12.5% reimbursement for the ice storm clean up. Lew expects it will come through with funds allocated to ensure everyone gets a percentage.
Lew said revenue continues to go down. September does not look good and additional 9C cuts are possible. Recovery is not expected until 2012. John noted that the Strap grant is very important to Princeton. Lew assured the Board that he would continue to advocate for it and will continue to work the legislature to protect education funding.
The Board thanked Lew for his efforts on behalf of the town.
Historical Commission-Public Lands Review
Joyce Anderson and Joe Lee discussed the proposal to relocate the stone and plaque for the National Historic Register. A decision was made after a public meeting and the stone was located at the bottom of the hill on the lower common. Since that time a proposal was made to relocate it by the library. Joe Lee stated that there was a process and a notification of a meeting at which time four people attended and the decision was made to locate it on the lower common. Joyce stated the process was followed; however the opinions of abutters were not taken into account. Joyce read a list of comments from residents who feel the stone is out of place in its current location. Joe noted the process was followed and a meeting notification was sent. Alan suggests reviewing the process for the Public Lands Committee at a future date.
Joe moved to leave the rock where it is until such time it does not fit the design of the lower common. Raymond seconded. Alan was opposed. (2-1).
FY10 Warrant #07
The Board reviewed and signed the payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer and Accountant.
Minutes
September 14, 2009 Special Meeting – Joe moved to accept the minutes. Raymond seconded. All in favor (3-0).
September 14, 2009 Executive Session – Joe moved to accept the minutes as amended and not to be released at this time. Raymond seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Police Department Appointment
Joe moved to appoint Officer Michael Traficante as Provisional Sergeant with a term to expire on June 30, 2010. Raymond seconded. All in favor (3-0).
FY08 Ice Storm Update
Jon Fitch notified John that $40,000.00 for donated services was wired to the town. The remaining paperwork for public works project has been submitted. The town spent $1.6 million to date and that does not include what was spent by PMLD. Joe Lee completed a detailed submission of the right of way clean up. The process is going well.
Other Business
Judi Barrett contacted Alan to ask permission to submit the Princeton Master Plan to the MCAPA in the category of comprehensive planning. The Board agreed.
David Lowenthal offered to sing at the Christmas party with the Princeton Choral. John attended an MMA program for new Town Administrators and learned of changes in various ethics laws and open meeting laws that will go into effect on July 1, 2010. John will put the details together for the Board.
John and Joe met with the Route 140 Task Force. The process is moving forward.
Approve & Sign Interim Police Chief Contract
Raymond moved to approve the draft contract as presented. Joe seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Raymond moved to approve sign the final draft of the contract. Joe seconded. All in favor (3-0).
2010 Census Construction Program
The Town Clerk requested the Board’s permission to participate in the program. Joe moved to approve the Chairman’s signature on the 2010 construction census forms. Raymond seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Public Comment
Bill Bradley, owner of Sonoma addressed the Board with concerns relative to the annual inspection renewal process. The Fire Chief and the Building Inspector must inspect all businesses for liquor license renewals on an annual basis. The current process is confusing for everyone. Bill will contact John to discuss details and determine how to develop a protocol and improve the timing.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm. All were in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________
Brenda Savoie
Administrative Secretary
| 
