Town of Princeton, Massachusetts

December 19, 2011


	Town of Princeton, MA BOARD OF SELECTMEN December 19, 2011 The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM in the Annex. Present were Chairman Raymond Dennehy, Edith Morgan, Stan Moss and Town Administrator John Lebeaux. FY12 Warrant #13 The Board reviewed and signed the payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer and Accountant. Minutes December 5, 2011 Regular Meeting- Edie moved to approve the minutes. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). November 21, 2011 Executive Session- Edie moved to approve the minutes, not to be released at this time. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). December 5, 2011 Executive Session- Edie moved to approve the minutes, not to be released at this time. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Tax Classification Hearing The hearing reconvened at 5:12 pm. Assessor Tim Hammond reported that the Department of Revenue certified the assessed values earlier today. The Assessors are recommending the town continue with single tax rate for 2012. Edie moved to adopt a residential factor of one for all properties and not to adopt any exemptions. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). The board signed the certification document. John noted there was a great deal of work this year and he is pleased with efforts by the Board of Assessors, Terri Longtine, Janice Barrett, Bonnie Schmohl and Lynne Grettum; all worked together to get the job done. Underutilized Town Assets Committee Phil Mighdoll and members Henry Beth, Tom Daly, Larry Deblois, and David Krashes were present for the discussion. Phil reported that committee met four times and held a community meeting in September at Mechanics Hall. Residents in E. Princeton expressed the desire to preserve the building which they consider a keystone of the village. Phil said the building is in dismal shape both inside and out and there are water and sewer problems. A variety of requirements need to be met to bring the building to code. Previous studies indicate it would cost $500,000 to $1,000,000 to restore. Options include: town support it for municipal use sell it with covenants to preserve the building façade stabilize and leave as is demolition Raymond agreed it’s an interesting history and building; however the town doesn’t have the funds available to restore or maintain. The committee believes the town should form a local group similar to “friends of the library” to take a direct and active ownership of the Mechanics Hall project. Edie supports the idea of a “friends of mechanics hall”, and not part of the town. Stan would like the group to commit to taking over the building, whether it is to buy or lease. David Krashes offered to pay postage to send a mailer to E. Princeton residents. There is an additional 11 pieces of land, with a total assessed value of $750,000. The committee will spend more time gathering details on some of the parcels. There is also a 60 acre park, Boylston Park on Calamint Hill Rd N. The committee asked to extend their term through April 1, 2012. Edie moved to extend the term to first Selectmen’s meeting in April. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Liquor License Renewals Edie moved to renew the liquor licenses for Nimrod, Norco, Sonoma, Mountain Barn, Farm, Kwik Stop, Mountainside Market, and Wachusett Wine Trader. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). The board signed the licenses. John asked the board to temporarily hold off on Harrington Farm due to inspection issues. Edie moved to approve the license renewal for Harrington Farm pending satisfactory resolution of inspection issues. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Board members will stop by the Town Hall to sign when John informs them the issues are resolved. Class II Automobile Agent’s or Seller’s License Renewal Edie moved to renew the license for Princeton Enterprises, Inc., Chris Goodnow Auto Sales, LLC, and Steven Zottolli, dba SZ Auto. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). The board signed the licenses. Request for Dog Hearing The board received letters from bite victims and a report by the Animal Control Officer on a dog owned by Robert and Edna Haines on Thompson Rd. Edie moved to hold a public dog hearing on January 3 at 5:30 pm on the dog owned by Robert and Edna Haines. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Full Time Fire Chief Appointment Process The board spoke with candidate David Cobb. David said he lives in town and has been involved with fire and EMS service for 18 years and currently works in Holden. He has completed numerous classes and training in both Fire and EMS and plans to continue with additional training. If he were to get the position, he would work to improve staffing, retention and coordinate additional training. Stan mentioned he spoke with two of David’s former supervisor, both said he always makes good decisions, right decisions and remains calm in stressful situations. Edie met with David and is satisfied with his skills. Raymond spoke with David over the phone and feels he’s committed to bringing the department to the next level. Edie moved to authorize the Town Administrator to enter into contract negotiations with David Cobb as the preferred candidate for full time fire chief for a term to run through June 30, 2014. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Cemetery Deed Edie moved to approve the of transfer of ownership of a cemetery deed from Karson Y. and William E. Aubuchon to Kara Burkhard, one space in Woodlawn Cemetery, known as Lot 24B, space a. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0). Thomas Prince School Green Repair Project John reported contractor began work on roof last week. Thomas Prince School PCB Project John talked with the consultant today. A report and plan of action will be submitted to the EPA at an upcoming meeting. Other Business None Public Comment None Executive Session At 7:03 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 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. Meeting was adjourned at 7:03 pm. Respectfully Submitted, __________________ Brenda Savoie Administrative Assistant Referenced Documents: Letters from bite victims of Robert and Edna Haines dog Report from the Animal Control Officer