Town of Princeton, Mass.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN --- December 3, 2012
The meeting was called to order at 5:05 PM in the Town Hall Annex. Present were Chairman Edith Morgan, Stan Moss, Neil Sulmasy and Town Administrator John Lebeaux.
FY13 Warrant #10 The Board reviewed and signed the FY’13 #11 payroll and vendor warrants from the Treasurer and Accountant.
Minutes Selectmen voted all in favor to approve regular meeting minutes from Nov. 19.
PMLD Tree Removal Policy The board had received a “Vegetation Management & Hazard Tree Removal Policy” from Princeton Municipal Light Dept. manager Brian Allen. General Foreman Chris Courville explained the policy, and that it was created to organize tree trimming tasks into five cycles—one to be completed each year starting in 2013. Each cycle represents a section of town. He explained how important it is to keep vegetation away from utility structures and power lines. The plan as outlined includes schedules and procedures for cutting, chipping, mowing, training of staff and communicating with neighborhood residents. The plan will allow PMLD crews and the DPW to be pro-active about tree-clearing and reduce future maintenance needs after each cycle is initially completed. He noted that 60 percent of power
outages were tree-related, and that proper trimming can cut outages by half.
Bob Mason, tree warden, had requested the policy. State law exempts tree removal from the public hearing process if trees are removed within the parameters of a policy such as this one, or if a tree is posing a hazard. It was noted that if the tree warden did not agree about a particular tree removal, it would then be subject to a hearing. Stan asked about communication with abutting landowners and suggested posting the policy on the town website. Brian said crews already talk to neighbors when working in an area and he agreed to create a standard letter that staff would hand-deliver, to explain what the crew is doing.
5:50 PM Road Advisory Committee Larry Greene, from the Road Advisory Committee, had submitted a report to selectmen, and he outlined its major elements—essentially explaining “Why it is important to remove trees from the edges of the road.” He talked about the urgency of getting water off road surfaces--having a good pavement base and good drainage. He also stressed creation of a 4’ shoulder for new roads or whenever existing roads are being re-constructed, and provided a list of reasons.
The RAC had forwarded a spreadsheet that outlined a road reconstruction plan for FY’13 through FY’19. Larry also described some funding gaps while discussing funding issues for road projects and asked that an article be on the annual town meeting warrant for funding the second phase of the Route 140/East Princeton engineering, in the amount of $260,000, and that the annual budget appropriation for Road Reconstruction be increased by $50,000 to $225,000. The Town Administrator discussed several possible funding sources such as Infrastructure Stabilization Fund or free cash, or other options. When a project qualifies for state TIP [Transportation Improvement Program] grant monies, the town must provide for 100 percent of engineering costs. The East Princeton bridge, which needs replacement, is not a big enough
project to qualify for the Accelerated Bridge Repair Program. Exclusive of Route 140/East Princeton, the RAC proposes spending $5 million in road improvements over the next eight years using a combination of state Chapter 90 [highway] funding and local revenues.
6:15 PM Fire Department Update Acting Fire Chief John Bennett presented a report on FD accomplishments and improvements over the last six months, outlining training initiatives, new personnel, equipment update, status of grants, fire district meetings, FD staff installing a new roof on the headquarters building, update of water holes [fire ponds], protective equipment, communications and EMS equipment. He reported that things are going well and commended his team. Selectmen also individually commended him, his staff, and the job they were doing.
6:45 PM Fire Chief Hiring process The selectmen discussed putting together a screening committee to search for a new fire chief. Some members of the previous committee may be willing to serve, and Edith suggested advertising for committee members immediately in order to get things rolling in January. Selectmen want to review the job description and discuss committee applicants at the Jan. 2 BOS meeting. It was also suggested that the board use the services of the Collins Institute at UMass Boston, which was a consultant during the search for the [current] town administrator.
Town Administrator Performance Review A performance review of town administrator John Lebeaux was read by Edith. She had collected forms from each member and consolidated the findings into a brief report. Scores on specific qualities ranked from “excellent” to “distinguished.” John said he took the evaluation as one that reflected on all Town staff and boards. Selectmen voted all in favor to accept and sign the evaluation for the file.
Cemetery Lot Sale The board voted all in favor to approve the sale of a cemetery lot to the Petersons in Woodlawn Cemetery, and sign the deed.
Tax Rate Set The Town Treasurer received state approval of the FY’13 real estate tax rate at $17.50 per $1,000 valuation. The average tax bill is $5,303. Town Administrator pointed out that valuations are up slightly from last year, when the average property was assessed at $302,658 after declining each year since the high of $375,830 in FY’08. He also noted that Princeton does not tax up to its levy limit.
Broadband Committee Stan reported that the newly-formed Broadband Committee met on Tuesday, Nov. 27 with eight out of nine members attending. Steve Cullen was elected chairman. They plan to meet weekly on Thursdays in the short-term with the exception of a meeting Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.
Boylston Park Model Stan also reported that he and forester Rex Baker were going to visit a park in Southboro that is similar to the Boylston Park town-owned parcel. It has been developed in much the same way that is being proposed at Boylston Park, so they are on a fact-finding mission.
7:17 PM the Board voted all in favor to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, administrative assistant
Referenced Documents:
“Vegetation Management & Hazard Tree Removal Policy”
RAC report on tree removal from road sides
RAC spreadsheet outlining 7-year plan
Fire Dept. report & spreadsheet—update of initiatives/activities since July 2012
Town Administrator Performance Review
| 
