Town of Princeton, MA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Regular Meeting
August 1, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM. Present were Chairman Raymond Dennehy, Edith Morgan, Stan Moss, and Town Administrator John Lebeaux.
FY12 Warrant #03
The Board reviewed and signed the payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer and Accountant.
Minutes
July 18, 2011 Regular Meeting - Edie moved to accept the minutes. Stan seconded.
All in favor (3-0).
July 18, 2011 Executive Session - Edie moved to accept the minutes not to be released at this time. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Release of Executive Session Minutes - Edie moved to release the minutes of April 12, 2010, April 26, 2010, May 24, 2010 and June 7, 2010. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
MMA Renewal for FY12
John recommends renewing the MMA membership as it has been a great value for the Town. The amount is $464, which is the same as last year. Edie moved to renew the membership for FY12. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Award Bid for Hubbardston Rd/Worcester Rd Project
Edie moved to award the bid for reconstruction of part of Hubbardston and Worcester Roads to E. H. Perkins as the low bidder. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Appoint Election Officers
Edie moved to appoint Election Officers for 2011-2012. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Linda Albrecht |
Bobbye Samdahl |
Carla DeFosse |
Marcia Sands |
Judy Dino |
Susan Schlaijker |
Louise Dix |
Joyce Szerejko |
Suzann Dolphin |
Helen Townsend |
Barbara Gates |
Louis Trostel |
Carl Lapoint |
Mary Trostel |
Sandra Lord |
Jane Weisman |
Carolyn Nelson |
Victoria Whiting |
Ellen O'Brien |
William Whiting |
Thomas Prince School Green Repair Building Committee
John reported the project is moving forward though there is a potential issue with the window portion. John will provide an update when more details are available.
Other Business
John informed the board he will request a brief executive session to discuss negotiations with non-union personnel.
Public Comment
None
Tree Hearing
Raymond called the hearing to order at 5:30 pm and read the Notice of Public Hearing as published in the Landmark.
Tree Warden Joe Lee reported trees #1-12 on Merriam Rd, #13-14 on Sterling Rd, and #15-20 on Redemption Rock Trail North are on the removal list per the request of PMLD and the Highway Department. A site visit was held on July 28 with one resident in attendance who was concerned with one tree, a sycamore on Merriam Rd.
Raymond referenced letters sent by Nancy Bullock, Betty Russell, Harry & Wendy Pape, Wayne & Barbara Adams, and James Camp, all opposed to the removal of some or all the trees.
Glenn Lyons and Larry Greene who were not able to attend, sent an email supporting the removals.
Jon Fitch said from the PMLD perspective the concern is the need to repair/restore electricity as fast as possible during a storm, especially Thomas Prince School, which also serves as the emergency shelter. Also, Verizon prefers not work behind trees. Alternatives were researched, however this is the best way for PMLD. Jon mentioned that two poles behind trees #6-12 can be moved out.
Edie pointed out the value in other roadside enhancement such as rhododendrons and mountain laurel.
At 5:50 pm Raymond opened the hearing to the public.
- James Camp, 58 Mountain Rd said he’s in favor of preserving all the trees.
- Light Commission member Don Steadman, 79 Wheeler Rd stated the only reason PMLD requests the removal of any tree is for safety. He also noted all poles should be on public property.
- Tom Sullivan, 60 Green Rd said taking down sound, healthy trees should never happen and would like a comprehensive policy on tree removal/pruning.
- David Krashes, 106 Rhodes Rd mentioned that at times, PMLD reasons outweigh aesthetics and he would like to see a long term policy. Jon Fitch said there is a policy and would like to expand it.
- Joe Lee feels all trees on the list can be saved.
- During a site visit, Stan noticed one pole is difficult to get to with thick brush surrounding the area and is concerned about lack of an easement for any poles on private property. He would like to see guidelines in place.
- Bunny Bullock, Bullock Lane and Betty Russell, Gates Rd would like all trees to remain.
At 6:38 pm Edie moved to reconvene the hearing on August 29 at 5:30 pm. Stan seconded. All in favor 3-0. The board will do further research. John pointed out the Town goes above MGL by offering site visits and posting details on the Town website. Joe Lee planted 150 new roadside trees.
Executive Session
At 6:39 pm Edie moved to enter into Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30, Section 21(2), to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel, pursuant to MGL Chapter 30, Section 21(3), and to reconvene into open session Stan seconded. All were in favor by roll call. Edie yes; Raymond yes; Stan, yes.
At 6:50 pm the board returned to open session. Edie moved to accept and sign the contract for the Interim Fire Chief. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). The board signed the contract.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________
Brenda Savoie
Administrative Assistant
Documents Reviewed:
MMA Renewal
Hubbardston/Worcester Rd Bid Summary
Letters from residents relative to Tree Hearing
Email from Larry Greene
Interim Fire Chief Contract
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