Town of Princeton, Mass. -- BOARD OF SELECTMEN -- April 7, 2014
6:00 PM The meeting was called to order in the Town Hall Annex. Present were Chairman Stan Moss, Neil Sulmasy, Edith Morgan and Town Administrator John Lebeaux. Three members of the Advisory Board in attendance: Wayne Adams, David Cruise and Joe Lotuff.
Meetings & Appointments
6:00 PM Discussion on ATM articles with Tom Daly and John Mirick in for Planning Board. They request six zoning articles to be in a certain order, and are communicating with Moderator Harry Pape about it. Maintaining a certain sequence is necessary because #2 changes the southern section of the Worcester Road Business district to Res.-Agr. and #3 [citizens’ petition] would do the same thing plus expand the number of lots changed by #2. Mr. Daly and Mr. Mirick explained the reasoning behind the sequence of all six, and Stan M. advised him that selectmen would take the request under consideration. The warrant does not need to be signed by selectmen until no later than seven days before ATM.
6:15 PM Glenn Lyons was in to explain his department’s FY 15 Highway, Snow and Ice Control and Road Reconstruction Budget Requests. The line item budget is level-funded and salaries total $361,000 up from $350,000 last year, owing to a two percent raise that’s recommended in the town’s employee benefit and salary schedule. A foreman position is open since Bob Mason left for a position in Rutland, and department assistant Marcia Sands resigned on Friday—she had worked only a few hours per week for DPW.
Mr. Lyons reported that the seven-year average expenditure for salt/sand snow/ice removal is $191,570 and $180,000 was budgeted in FY’14 and a deficit expenditure was required. Much discussion ensued regarding the long shifts and extra hours of DPW staff during storm/snow/ice emergencies. A wintertime stipend was discussed, but Lyons noted that money was not the issue—just the fatigue and stress. A four-hour “watch” schedule was suggested, and putting bunks in the DPW building, to ensure sleep breaks when staff must stay on duty.
6:45 PM Mickey Splaine was in for the Road Advisory Committee’s warrant article request. He outlined some proposed or pending projects, and requests an increase to the Road Reconstruction line-item from $225k to $275k in an effort to get closer to the pre-recession annual level of $350k. He also discussed funding the third and final phase of the E.Princeton/Route 140/bridge engineering in the amount of $108k. Phase I was funded from Road Reconstruction; Phase II from Free Cash. The project has 25 percent design complete and could be shovel-ready if the town can fund the rest of the design, and timing is essential. When grant money becomes available, a community ahead of Princeton could drop off the list if they’re not as ready to go, putting Princeton at top of list.
New Business
7:10 PM Selectmen heard a report from the Insurance Advisory Committee which recommended that the Employee Health Insurance Program for FY 15 maintain current plans from Tufts and Fallon. John L. reported that the costs to town are down somewhat from FY’14 with a 7.4% reduction in the Health Insurance line item to $320,000. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as employees choosing less-costly plans. The board voted all in favor to follow recommendations of the committee and keep current plans available.
Selectmen voted all in favor to appoint as animal inspectors: Greg Dowdy for barn inspections and Laura Pease for rabies issues, both for a term from May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015.
Stan M. explained two warrant article requests for Annual Town Meeting from the Broadband Committee; John L. reviewed the CATV License process, noting there was one CATV license application but it was not on the required Form 100. Requirements of Cable TV Commission are not in effect if television is not included in the service. A representative from Millennium Matrix Group explained his company’s system for fiber optic internet, as a payment only for customers ordering the service.
Selectmen received an Audit Engagement Letter for Fiscal Years 2014-2016 from Roselli, Clark & Associates. It proposes a three year contract at $12,000 per year to perform the audit, which is low compared to some other small towns in the region. Selectmen voted all in favor to adopt the proposal and Stan M. signed two copies of the contract.
Selectmen considered a request from Central Mass Striders for a Hill-Climb Running event on Saturday, May 24, 2014 starting at 9:30 AM. They voted all in favor to approve use of local roads subject to any conditions from the fire and police chiefs.
7:50 PM Board reviewed draft Annual Town Meeting Warrant. There was much discussion around role of Advisory Board and last two articles which update town bylaws regarding certain financial procedures that may be outdated or unnecessary.
Old Business
8:20 PM Selectmen addressed the Gregory/Pine Hill Road Contract which was subjected to a bid protest that was recently settled in favor of the Town. Town Counsel advised to go ahead and award the contract to E.H. Perkins which came in lowest at $489,147.90. The selectmen voted all in favor to award the contract to Perkins and signed two copies of the documents.
Selectmen considered the request for reappointment and contract extension from Town Administrator John Lebeaux, seeking a contract for the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018. Board members voted all in favor to approve the request and amend the contract to reflect changes voted at a previous meeting. John L. said he would develop a contract with Town Counsel for their subsequent signature. They also voted all in favor to use the town’s salary schedule which calls for a two percent increase—based on FY’14 compensation--that will be considered on an annual basis as outlined in the current contract. The board also set some priorities for the T.A. that need to be addressed after ATM work is completed, including a facilities engineering study to focus on town
buildings’ infrastructure, mechanicals, utilities and exterior condition; and, and providing support for the efforts to establish improved broadband service.
Other Business
Stan M. announced that Ed Sweeney should be recognized for his efforts in keeping up the ice rink at Krashes Field and John L. said it would be an agenda item at the next meeting.
Warrants and Minutes
8:40 PM Board reviewed and approved vendor and payroll warrants: FY14 #20. They voted all in favor to approve regular meeting minutes for March 24.
Executive Session
8:45 PM Selectmen agreed to enter into executive session to discuss strategy for collective bargaining (Police Officers)
pursuant to MGL Chapter 30, Section 21(3), and not to reconvene into open session.
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 not reconvene into open session” and Stan seconded the motion. Stan called for a vote and in roll call Neil voted “Aye,” Edith 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,” Edith voted “Aye” and Stan voted “Aye.”
9:27 ??? PM The Board voted all in favor to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, administrative assistant
Referenced Documents: Highway Dept. budget spreadsheet and materials. Draft of articles proposed for 2014 ATM warrant; Road Advisory Committee’s warrant article document; Insurance Advisory Committee letter; contract for animal inspectors; Audit Engagement Letter/contract; map outlining request from Central Mass Striders for Hill-Climb Running event; Gregory/Pine Hill Road Contract and A.G. letter; letter and other docs outlining request for Town Administrator reappointment and contract extension.
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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