Town of Princeton, MA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Regular Meeting
October 26, 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.
FY10 Warrant #09
The Board reviewed and signed the payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer and Accountant.
Minutes
October 13, 2009 Regular Meeting – Raymond moved to accept the minutes. Joe seconded. All in favor (3-0).
FY10 Goals
FY10 goals for the BOS and TA were reviewed. Public safety will be the highest priority followed by financial and administrative polices. John will work with the Board to prioritize goals moving forward.
Joe moved to accept the FY10 goals as presented, with the understanding that as goals and objectives of the Town Administrator are produced, prioritization is reviewed. Raymond seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Appointments
Joe moved to appoint Travis Russell as part time police officer for a term to expire on June 30, 2012. Raymond seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Joe moved to appoint Brenda Savoie as elections officer for a term to expire on July 18, 2010. Raymond seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Special State Primary Warrant for December 8, 2009 Election
Joe moved to sign the Special State Primary Warrant for December 8, 2009 for Senator in Congress of the Commonwealth. Raymond seconded. All in favor (3-0). The Board signed the warrant.
Agricultural Commission Request- Farmers Market
Walter Gowey, member of the Agricultural Commission noted that after two years of running the Farmers Market, the commission would like to pass it on to a separate board. They suggest a five-member board, with a minimum of three Princeton vendors. The Board wants to ensure the Agricultural Commission will oversee the market and work to resolve any issue and is in agreement that a separate board can handle the details.
Portrait of Dennis Rindone
Bruce Dean painted a portrait to honor Dennis based on a photo taken by Phyllis Booth. Bruce would like Dennis’ family to decide whether they want to keep it or give it to the town. Alan will contact Sandra Rindone and let her decide. John and the Board thanked Bruce and commended him on the level of detail.
Review Board and Committee Vacancies
John noted the Board has made great headway in filling the vacancies over the past several weeks. There are currently openings on five committees as well as one opening on the Advisory Board. Alan recommends approaching each chair for recommendations. Further discussion will take place at the next meeting.
Contacts for Assessment Valuation Firms & Requirements from DOR
Gary MacLeod made contact with three private assessment valuation firms and is waiting for their response. Details will be reviewed with Raymond and John. The Board will discuss in detail at a future meeting.
Gary noted the revaluation requirements from DOR are ongoing. DOR is requiring a tape and list to be in place for FY11. 1,200 parcels will be involved at an estimated $22.00 per parcel, or $27,000.00 total. John suggests a fund be established and contributions be made each year.
Public Hearing - Tax Classification
The hearing opened at 6:06 pm.
The Board of Assessors recommends a single residential tax rate for FY10. Over 98% of parcels are residential.
Raymond moved to have a single residential tax rate for FY10. Joe seconded. All in favor (3-0).
John noted the town is ready to file capitulation with the DOR and that everyone worked together in the Town Hall to assist.
The Bard signed the documents. The hearing was closed at 6:15 pm.
Public Comment
State Ethics Mandate
Terry Thompson expressed disappointment with the new ethics mandate from the state. This will create a lot of additional work for volunteers and employees. Alan suggests people email their representatives and let them know where they stand.
Ball Hill Road Bridge
Janet Sidor, Calamint Hill Rd South is concerned about the delay in completing the bridge and feels the traffic being detoured through her road is creating a major safety issue.
John has been in discussion with Glenn Lyons and MASS Highway. The original completion date was scheduled for July 18, 2010. There is a rigorous process that must take place with the concrete and a series of safety tests. Once all tests are passed, paving can begin. It is possible it may be complete by the end of November.
Dennis Pomerleau, Calamint Hill Rd South is concerned about the amount of traffic passing through his road, including large trucks and is asking the Board to work with MASS Highway to get it complete as timely and safely as possible. John will continue to follow up on a regular basis.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm. All were in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________
Brenda Savoie
Administrative Secretary
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