Town of Princeton, Mass. -- BOARD OF SELECTMEN – Sept. 8, 2014
6:01 PM The meeting was called to order in the Town Hall Annex. Present were Chairman Neil Sulmasy, Stan Moss, Edith Morgan, Town Administrator John Lebeaux and Adm. Asst. Marie Auger.
New Business
The board discussed details about the Engineering Study relative to high speed internet. A proposal from Matrix requires the town to be responsible for “make ready” costs—assessing the condition of all relevant infrastructure and especially poles. Utility poles are co-owned by PMLD and Verizon. Verizon would charge (the town) $33-35,000 to complete an assessment of all 2,750 poles in town. Stan noted that Verizon could possibly sell its interest in the poles to the PMLD, so ownership could change in the interim. It was reported that the town appropriated $10,000 a few years ago and another $17,000 in 2014 towards engineering preparation for a high-speed internet/broadband project. Of that, only about $4,000 has been spent. Edie questioned the viability of asking ATM voters for $35,000. Discussion was tabled to
allow for the 6:15 PM scheduled public hearing.
6:15 PM –Neil S. opened the public hearing for a liquor license transfer. Applicants, Katherine Huck of 342 Ball Hill Road and business partner Shaun Ennis of Haverhill came in for a transfer of the wine & beer package liquor license for Mountainside Market. The business is being sold to them by Jill Zelley as a turnkey operation, with Mr. Ennis listed as manager. With no discussion from the public, the board voted all in favor to approve the transfer of the license from Jill Zelley to Cork & Winsor LLC dba/Mountainside Market and signed the document to submit to the state.
Discussion resumed about the make-ready costs for broadband. Stan reported that Princeton was accepted into the Wired West consortium of 45 communities in Western Mass. which are underserved by broadband. An IT bond bill was passed on Beacon Hill with about $45M earmarked to aid those communities. The board voted all in favor to authorize the town administrator to enter into a contract with Linx Consulting for an amount not to exceed $6,970. This will allow Linx to estimate the make-ready work so the town can move forward with engineering studies.
6:37 PM Cemetery Commission chairman Lou Trostel was in to recommend Ron Milenski, 65 Rocky Pond Road, as a fourth member of the commission, which is a five-member board. After discussing Mr. Milenski’s active participation on other boards and community projects, the selectmen voted all in favor to appoint Mr. Milenski for a term through June 30, 2017.
Other Business
6:41 PM Selectmen noted letter from WRSD Supt. McCall to Christine Lynch, the state’s Dept. of Educ. Governance & Facilities program manager, that verified approval of the FY’15 amended appropriation $81,179,598.
Neil S. reported that Governor Patrick, Education Sec. Malone and Rep. Kim Ferguson visited the Thomas Prince School recently and observed the STEAM program in action, with students presenting themselves admirably. Neil offered to email Principal Mary Cringan and Supt. McCall to congratulate everyone who participated in a successful day. The board also noted that a Walk-A-Thon and cardboard box sleep-in to raise awareness for the homeless is being organized by Monty Tech student Autumn. John L. reported they already had permission from Princeton Center Mgmt. Committee to use their back yard and walking track for the event on Oct. 12
Minutes and Warrants
Board voted all in favor to approve regular meeting minutes for Aug. 25.
They reviewed and approved vendor and payroll warrants: FY15 #5
7:00 PM The Board voted all in favor to adjourn
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, administrative assistant
Referenced Documents: WRSD Letter; Liquor License transfer and notice of public hearing
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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