Town of Princeton, Mass. -- BOARD OF SELECTMEN -- January 13, 2014
6:00 PM The meeting was called to order in the Town Hall Annex. Present were Chairman Stan Moss, Neil Sulmasy and Town Administrator John Lebeaux. Edith Morgan was absent.
New Business
The board looked at the proposal from ECCC Boston Beanpot 2013, a Collegiate Bicycle Race scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2014. The race crew will start setup at approximately 5 or 6 am. ~Road corners will be inspected, and any sand/salt/etc will be swept. Port-a-potties will be used. The first racers depart from T.P. School at approximately 7 am, in 20 sec increments. ~Last rider should start at approximately 8:45am, with the last rider finishing by approximately 9:30 am. Approximately 300 collegiate student-racers will represent roughly 40 teams/universities, and 8-10 subcategories. ~They pedal up Sterling Road to Merriam Road up to Mountain Road and the DCR Visitor Center. The Central Mass Public Safety Association (CMPSA) will be hired for EMT services. The board voted all in favor to approve the contract as presented on
condition of approval by the police chief.
6:10 PM John L. explained the highlights of the FY’15 budget calendar, which schedules all budget dates and deadlines up to Annual Town Meeting on May 13. The board voted all in favor to accept the calendar subject to amendments as needed. John noted that he needed to hear from all departments about any budget requests by Feb. 28.
Other Business
6:15 PM Stan reported, with praise, on recent incidents that the fire department had in extreme conditions. On Dec. 7 the crew fought a structural fire next to a chimney in a home, at 2 AM during a driving snowstorm in 2-degree weather. On Jan. 11 a hiker was rescued on the steepest part of Pine Hill Trail on Wachusett, suffering a dislocated shoulder. The trail was all ice and the crew had to ride the ski lift to the summit and walk down from the auto road to get a Stokes basket to the hiker and carry him down to an ambulance.
Stan also noted that Laura Luoma from Gardner started today as assistant to the treasurer–collector for the part-time, non- benefitted position—12 to 15 hours per week..
Warrants and Minutes
6:20 PM Selectmen reviewed and approved Vendor and Payroll Warrants: FY14 #14. They voted all in favor to approve meeting minutes for Dec. 30, 2013.
Executive Session
6:25 PM Neil moved that selectmen enter into executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(3), to continue discussing negotiations with non-union personnel (Fire Chief) and to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining (Police Officers) and to reconvene into open session. Stan seconded the motion. In roll-call vote, Stan said “aye” and Neil said “aye.” Stan announced that the Board would enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to union and non-union personnel since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the town and that the board will reconvene in open session.
6:43 PM Selectmen closed the executive session in roll call vote with Stan saying “aye” and Neil saying “aye
6:43 PM The Board reconvened into Open Session.
On a motion by Neil, seconded by Stan, the Board voted 2-0 to adopt, ratify and sign an Employment Agreement with Fire Chief John Bennett for the period of December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2014.
Other Business
Neil mentioned conversations he has had with Thomas Prince School Assistant Principal Karen Baer regarding the school’s preliminary planning of how it might offer expanded internet access after the MassBroadband (MBI) project is operational. Possibilities include an after school homework center. The concept of a more community-wide program is in the very early stages of consideration.
Stan discussed what would be necessary for the interior wiring of the Princeton Center after MBI activation for the benefit of tenants and for possible community access.
7:02 PM Selectmen voted all in favor to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, administrative assistant
Referenced Documents: Collegiate Cycling proposal; FY’15 budget calendar; Fire Chief Contract 12/1/13-11/30/14
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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