Town of Princeton, MA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Regular Meeting
August 29, 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 #05
The Board reviewed and signed the payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer and Accountant.
Minutes
August 1 & August 16, 2011, Regular Meeting - Edie moved to accept the minutes. Stan seconded.
All in favor (3-0).
August 1, 2011 Executive Session - Edie moved to accept the minutes not to be released at this time. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Thomas Prince School Environmental Issues
Raymond reported that Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB’s) exceeding the EPA standards were found in the school. Environmental consultant Chuck Klingler of Environmental Compliance Services and Paul Connor and Ross Hartman of Truimvirate Environmental were present. District Superintendent Thomas Pandiscio and Business Manager Peter Brennan were also present.
- Chuck Klingler reported that PCB’s were discovered in the window calking. A pilot test will be performed in rooms 209 and 106 after cleaning to evaluate the reduction of indoor air concentrations. Furniture and teaching materials will be removed, cleaned and tested.
- The cost is estimated at just under $300,000. Another option would be sealing the concrete, though on-going testing will be required.
- The maintenance agreement with the District does not cover the cost. John will verify with Town Counsel. Raymond asked if a portion of the cost can be covered through the Green Repair program. John is researching and will also look into other programs offered by the state. A special town meeting may be held on October 11.
- Dr Pandiscio met with the parents last Friday. Students in grades 3-5 will be sent to Rutland.
On behalf of the board, Raymond thanked Dr. Pandiscio, Peter Brennan, and the District.
Public Shade Tree Hearing – Reconvened from August 1
The hearing reconvened at 5:45 pm. Raymond explained the hearing was continued from August 1, 2011. Since the original hearing, pictures taken by the Highway Department and were available for review. The board also received a letter from the Historical Commission urging them to spare the trees on Merriam Rd.
- Sheila Dubman, Chair of the Historical Commission believes Merriam Rd is unique. It is the oldest road in Princeton and urges flexibility to allow trees to remain.
- Harry Pape, 70 Merriam Rd requested trees #6-12 be preserved.
- Mikey Splaine, 1 Pine Hill Rd spoke on behalf of the Road Advisory Committee. Trees at the beginning and end of the Merriam Rd list should be removed for safety.
- Kevin Toohey, Calamint Hill N., said he has been impressed with the comradely between residents, PMLD, Road Advisory Committee and the Highway Department.
- Glenn Lyons is concerned about safety if trees are allowed to remain. In addition, trees are along edge of road which creates problems for his equipment.
- Jon Fitch discussed alternatives with the Light Commissioners, including underground utilities and agreed the only feasible alternative is to remove the trees, move poles out front and plant shade trees. Having to get in between trees to work is a safety issue.
- Harry Pape agrees with the removal of tree #1-5, but not with #6-12.
Edie moved to allow the removal of trees # 13-14 on Sterling Rd. and # 15-20 on Redemption Rock Trail. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Edie moved to allow the removal of trees # 1-5 on Merriam Rd. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Edie made a motion that PMLD and property owners on Merriam Rd. work together on trees #6-12. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Edie moved to continue the hearing to September 12 at 5:45 pm. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). The hearing was adjourned at 6:46 pm. All were in favor.
Hubbardston Worcester Roads Project – Bid
John reported there are certification issues with E.H. Perkins which precludes them from performing the work. They were not properly prequalified and the bid needs to be rescinded.
Edie moved to rescind the bid award to E.H. Perkins as voted on August 1, 2011. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Thomas Prince School Green Repair Building Committee
John is researching whether the Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) clean up and costs associated with it can become part of the project.
Other Business
Raymond cited an email from the Governor’s office which includes $6.5 million for reimbursement for the FY08 ice storm as an item in the supplemental budget. Raymond commended John for the articulate letter he sent to the Governor requesting the reimbursement.
Public Comment
Jerry Ganelli of Sharon Drive requested “no parking” signage be installed on both sides of Sharon Drive. Jerry will send a letter to the Police and the Fire Chief.
Executive Session
None
Meeting was adjourned at 7 pm. All were in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________
Brenda Savoie
Administrative Assistant
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