Town of Princeton, Mass. -- BOARD OF SELECTMEN -- March 24, 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 with Edith Morgan absent. Four members of the Advisory Board in attendance: Wayne Adams, David Cruise, John Shipman and Jim O’Coin.
Meetings & Appointments
Monty Tech staff came in to explain their budget and the Princeton assessment. Included were Supt.-Director Steve Sharek, Bus. Mgr. Tammy Lajoie and School Committee representative John Mollica. Ms. Lajoie distributed a PowerPoint presentation that illustrated the detail of the regional-vocational school budget for FY’15, which included a 3.45 percent increase over the FY’14 total. Princeton’s preliminary assessment is $289,767, an increase of $107,997 over last year. That increase includes $35,232 for the FY 2014 assessment in order to meet the required Minimum Local Contribution (MLC) that was revised after Town Meeting. She outlined the difference between the school’s “foundation budget” figure and the minimum spending requirement from each community in the district. Each uses a different
formula to supplement Chapter 70 school funding from the state.
She noted that Princeton has 18 students enrolled at Monty Tech, up four students from last year. There was some discussion about how each town’s assessments are calculated and board members pointed out how unfair the calculation is with Princeton funding its own students at 103 percent, in the past. Ms. Lajoie reported that going forward, assessments will be capped at 90 percent of the Foundation Budget for towns in the upper end of property and income valuations. This was taken as good news by Advisory Board member Cruise. She also encouraged everyone to communicate their concerns with their elected officials at the State House. Mr. Sharek brought up another glaring inequity, the way that special education is funded. A single community can get saddled with a sudden and
high-priced responsibility simply with a family moving in, adding a cost that was unforeseen and not budgeted for. He insisted that the extra costs of special ed. should be equalized and handled by the state.
7:15 PM Stan M. thanked the T&G correspondent Joshua Lyford for his article in Telegram Towns about the Princeton public safety staff and EMTs during the Feb. 13 blizzard, when a speedy ambulance trip through white-out conditions saved a town resident’s life.
7:17 PM Fire Chief John Bennett explained his department budget for FY’15, presenting an essentially level funded budget and how he needs to adjust certain line items from one account into another. He would like to construct a few more dry hydrant “fire ponds” to increase the town’s ISO rating which is used to determine homeowners’ insurance. He also described the ambulance situation, and a plan to convert an older vehicle, with no value remaining as an ambulance, into a service vehicle with plow at $22,000. He is seeking a special article for turnout gear for new hires. The budget includes purchase of a new ambulance. The current vehicle was slated for replacement in 2007. Chief Bennett’s estimated cost is $230,000.
Dep. Chief Tim Kelly reported that since the new EMT and staff coverage has been in effect , there has been improved maintenance of equipment and other upgrades behind the scenes. He also described the “Senior Safe” program which will use grant funding to help senior citizens with their smoke and CO detectors. He also noted that a database is being developed of elderly residents’ addresses so direct contact can be made during emergencies.
New Business
8 PM The board voted all in favor to re-appoint Anne Littlefield for a three year term on the Board of Registrars, from 4/1/14 to 3/31/17
They voted all in favor to appoint Gary Harrington as Asst. Electrical Inspector for a term to expire 6/30/14.
They voted all in favor to approve an application for Wachusett Mountain Hill Climb slated for May 10, 2014 subject to meeting any conditions from the public safety chiefs.
They voted all in favor to approve an application for NEADS 5k Run/Walk on May 17, 2014 subject to meeting any conditions from the public safety chiefs.
Old Business
Regarding FY 15 budget development, John L. reported that there has been no change from Budget Calendar Draft #3.
Executive Session
8:08 PM Selectmen voted to enter into executive session to discuss strategy for collective bargaining (Police Officers)
pursuant to MGL Chapter 30, Section 21(3), and to reconvene into open session to finish warrants and minutes.
Neil made a motion: “I move to enter into Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30, Section 21(3), to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining (Police Officers) and to reconvene into open session” and Stan seconded the motion. Stan called for a vote and in roll call Neil voted “Aye” and Stan voted “Aye.” Stan announced 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.”
9:26 PM Neil moved and Stan seconded to close executive session. In roll call, Neil voted “Aye” and Stan voted “Aye.”
9:27 PM Resumed open session.
Warrants and Minutes
9:27 PM Members reviewed and approved vendor and payroll warrants: FY14 #19 and voted all in favor to approve regular meeting minutes for March 10.
9:40 PM The Board voted all in favor to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, administrative assistant
Referenced Documents: Brochures/requests from NEADS Run/Walk and Wachusett Hill Climb; Monty Tech budget materials; Fire Dept. budget spreadsheet and materials.
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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