Town of Princeton, Massachusetts

November 21, 2011


	Town of Princeton, MA BOARD OF SELECTMEN November 21, 2011 The meeting was called to order at 5:03 PM in the Annex. Present were Chairman Raymond Dennehy, Edith Morgan, Stan Moss and Town Administrator John Lebeaux. FY12 Warrant #11 The Board reviewed and signed the payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer and Accountant. Minutes November 7, 2011 Regular Meeting- Edie moved to approve the minutes as amended. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). November 7, 2011 Executive Session- Edie moved to approve the minutes not to be released at this time Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Public Surplus Auction Process John was contacted by a public auction group that assists municipalities in disposing of surplus property using online auctions. There is no cost to the Town; instead the winning bidder pays a premium to auction group. The Upton town manager has used the service and highly recommends this company. MASSWorks Infrastructure Grant Award John reported that the town was awarded a grant in the amount of $450,000 on behalf of the efforts of Larry Greene and the Road Advisory Committee. The application was one of 158 submitted and only 35 were approved. The board is thankful to Larry and the committee. Worcester Road Construction Project John said the project is moving along. The top coat was completed today. Work needs to be done for driveway approach, shoulder, and line painting. WRSD Request for STM John received a letter from the WRSD asking the town to schedule a STM to vote to purchase electronic devices for students. The request is for town meetings to approve spending $1 million for this initiative using funds left over from the oil spill cleanup. Raymond feels it’s a worthy cause; however would like more details, Edie feels it’s important that interpersonal relationships remain the main focus, and Stan wants definitive and substantial research on the results of internet devices used in public schools. Dr. Pandiscio has been invited to the December 5 meeting. School Committee member Robert Imber was present. He said Princeton will be responsible for $17,000 per year. He believes the school needs to move forward with technology as part of the 21^st century initiative and that this is a tool to improve education. Raymond said there needs to be a measured response to this request and simply because the money for the oil leak was not used, doesn’t mean we move quickly to spend it. Continued discussion will take place at the December 5 meeting. Designate WRSD Treasurer a Special Municipal Position John informed the Board that Jim Dunbar should be designated as a Special Municipal employee since he is part time treasurer for Princeton and for the WRSD. The State Ethics Commission informed Jim that in order to be in compliance with the law his position must be designated as a special municipal position. Edie moved to designate the position of Wachusett School District Treasurer as a special municipal position. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Jim will complete the disclosure form and file with town clerk. Bond Anticipation Note for TPS Green Repair Project The board signed the note for the TPS Green Repair Project. Thomas Prince School Green Repair Project John will have contracts by next meeting, in the meantime he asked the board to vote to sign the contract or authorize him to sign. Edie moved to authorize John to sign the contract in place of the board. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Thomas Prince School PCB Project John reported the results of the retest were well within EPA limits. An interim report will be submitted in December. Report on Town Meeting Quorums John noted that the Town Clerk researched quorum guidelines for other towns. The board found it interesting to see situations when a town changed the quorum number to zero, town meeting attendance increased. Additional discussion will take place in the future. Other Business John reported: An employee training seminar on harassment was held last week. He hosted a small town administrators gathering in the Annex. The Veterans Agent was on site recently. Public Comment Terry Thompson asked about the status of the new Fire Chief. Raymond explained there is a family medical issue at this time. The plan is to continue to move forward. Stan noted he recently attended a Veterans Day lunch hosted by the Girl Scouts and was impressed by their effort. Executive Session At 6:29 pm Edie moved to enter into Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30, Section 21(3), to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and further move 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, and not to reconvene into open session. All were in favor by roll call. Raymond yes; Edie yes; Stan; yes. Raymond advised that the board will now enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town. The board will not reconvene in open session. Respectfully Submitted, __________________ Brenda Savoie Administrative Assistant Referenced Documents: Public Surplus Auction Process Documents MASSWorks Infrastructure Grant Award Letter Bond Anticipation Note Report on Town Meeting Quorums