Town of Princeton, MA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
March 26, 2012
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 #20
The Board reviewed and signed the payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer and Accountant.
Minutes
March 12, 2012 Regular Meeting - Edie moved to approve the minutes, Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Executive Session: Edie moved to release the executive session minutes of November 7, 2011; August 1, 2011; July 18, 2011; May 24 2011; and May 26, 2009. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Scheduled Meetings & Hearings
Police Chief Michelle Powers – FY13 Budget Discussion with Advisory Board & CIP Committee
Police Chief Michelle Powers reviewed the proposed FY13 budget. There is a 2% increase for Dispatchers and a $500 increase in the cost to clean uniforms. The remainder of the budget has been level funded.
Advisory Board Chair Terry Hart called the Advisory Board meeting to order at 5:32 pm.
Capital Improvement Planning Committee Chair Stan Moss called the Capital Improvement Planning Committee meeting to order at 5:35 pm.
Police & Fire Department Capital Requests
Chief Powers requested replacement of the Repeater located at the top of the mountain. The cost is $18,016. She will research availability of a warranty and maintenance plan.
Chief Cobb reviewed the Fire Department’s capital requests.
Captain Whitney was present for the discussion.
- Turn out gear request: Chief Cobb would like to replace ten sets to outfit all firefighters. The old ones have become non-compliant with outdated material and structure. The new ones will provide the ultimate fire protection and are expected to last for ten years.
- Command Vehicle –received a quote for $36,280 for a Ford Expedition spec/command vehicle. A lease to own option is also available with three payments of $13,000 each.
- Pump on engine #5 has damage to packing and seals and needs replacement. This is a critical replacement. The cost is estimated at $35,000 to $59,000.
- Would like to purchase four new defibrillators. Current ones need replacement; the manufacturer no longer supports this model.
- Existing water holes need to be upgraded to ensure proper flow and new ones need to be created. Cost to upgrade is estimated at $25,000 and includes excavator rental. Captain Whitney noted that the goal is to build one new one and upgrade four existing ones each year over a three year period.
Chief Cobb prioritized the capital requests as follows:
- Turn out gear
- Engine #5 pump replacement
- Command /Chief’s vehicle
- Water hole upgrades
- Defibrillators
Old Business
Thomas Prince School Green Repair Project
John reported:
Roof work is expected to be complete by March 29.
Boiler work is ongoing.
Window contractor confirmed windows have been ordered and should be ready for installation by May 20. Entire project is expected to be complete by the end of July.
No substantial changes since last report. Project remains well within budget.
The second reimbursement of $52,352 has been received.
Thomas Prince School PCB Project
John reported:
Painting of window frames is scheduled to be complete during April vacation.
New test results will be back next week.
The next step is to determine how to best finance the $450,000 cost of project. John is working with Treasurer Jim Dunbar on the best course of action.
FY13 Budget Review
The advisory Board and CIP were present for discussion.
John reported the current draft budget has level funded salaries with the exception of Dispatchers.
The FY13 increase is $319,900, which amounts to a 3.77% overall change excluding any salary increase for non-union and union.
Elections expense- There will be an adjustment in the expense line for utilizing a Police Officer for the election. The Constable was not available.
John is working with Graves Insurance for the final number.
Financing for Green Repair and PCB project will be combined.
John will find out when the Jefferson oil spill expense is final.
Salary increase – John noted a 1% to 3% for non-union personnel is worth approximately $10,000 to $30,000. Advisory Board member Alan Sentkowski supports an increase and feels it is important for morale. John mentioned he is arranging for a compensation study since the last time one was done was FY07 and he is having a difficult time trying to determine how salaries are matching up to that study. John said he is pleased with the performance of his staff and wants to ensure they understand the way their being compensated. CIP Member George Handy suggested if there is no employee turnover, it may not be necessary to review salaries at this time. Stan suggests using a 2-3% salary increase for planning purposes. The board agreed to take it under advisement.
Town Meeting Quorum Requirement
The board reviewed a summary on quorum requirements from other towns. Stan suggests leaving the Annual Town Meeting at 3% and making the Special Town Meeting at 2%. The Advisory Board will review.
New Business
Nomination of Inspector of Animals –David Leach
John was notified by David Leach that he does not wish to be reappointed. The town is now looking for an animal inspector. John will check with David to see if he is willing cover until a replacement is found.
Conservation Commission Vacancies
John reported that Conservation Commission uses associate members as unofficial assistants to the commission with no voting rights. The commission is seeking individuals with some knowledge of the law.
Compensation Classification Study
John is pursuing a salary study for Town Hall personnel and department heads. The last one was done it FY07.
Review Draft ATM Warrant
John reported that Town Counsel reviewed the draft. There are 26 articles. The board reviewed and will sign the final draft.
Other Business
Wachusett Mountain Associates will sponsor the annual Up Down and Around Challenge on April 7th. Fire and police chiefs are aware and have no objections.
Edie move to approve the request. Stan seconded. All in favor (3-0).
Public Comment
None
Executive Session
At 7:47 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 to 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.
The meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm. All were in favor (3-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
_________________
Brenda Savoie
Administrative Assistant
Referenced Documents:
FY13 Budget Material
FY13 Capital Request Documents
Town Meeting Quorum Summary
Draft ATM Warrant
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