Town of Princeton, Mass. – Feb. 8, 2016 – 5 PM
BOARD OF SELECTMEN – Mtg. Minutes
5:05 PM Meeting was called to order at the Town Hall Annex. Present were Chairman Edith Morgan, Jon Fudeman, Stan Moss with T.A. Nina Nazarian plus Advisory Board members and guests.
Bob and Debbie Berube in for their food truck parked at Mechanics Hall. Selectmen received letters/memos from David Krashes, Larry Pistrang, town counsel and John Mirick. Nina pointed out that the BOS has several options and Edith stated that regardless of the food truck, a policy must be developed with regard to uses of town property. Jon F. wants to see site plan review from the Planning Board to consider traffic and have police weigh in. Nina announced that all research and review of this matter has been completed, unless the members wished to identify additional information which is needed, the selectmen have enough info to take action, decide if they will allow this use or not, as this decision should precede any action by the Planning Board.
The next step, if selectmen agree to the food truck use, then the Planning Board should review a proposed site plan, then a warrant must be approved by 2/3 vote at a town meeting under MGL as a “transfer” of use to leasing. Selectmen said they haven’t considered what the different uses could be for Mechanics Hall. Larry Pistrang spoke on behalf of “Friends of Mechanics Hall” and said they were supportive of the food truck. Their mission is to preserve the building and find compatible uses.
Bob Berube reported he has invested over $4,000 above and beyond the actual rig. Nina pointed out that BOS must vote on change of use before any town meeting takes place.
5:45 PM The abutter, Lise Ledoux, had some complaints about the operation which selectmen assured her would be addressed in site plan review. Selectmen agreed to wait for a written request from the Berubes to use the site then vote on it and schedule a meeting with the Friends, who were given authority by the selectmen in the past to help oversee/manage the property.
6:10 PM The regional school budget was looked at with staff from WRSD coming in, Jeff Carlson, HR director, Supt. Darryll McCall, Bus, Mgr. Joe Scanlon, and Deputy Supt. Robert Berlo. They have compared numbers from surrounding communities, even though the district’s five towns are a wealthier pocket compared to surrounding towns. The comparable numbers are still more relevant than comparisons from the state level which weigh heavily on Greater Boston. The town average is 50 percent of revenue going to schools.
6:20 PM Joe S. distributed a Chapt. 70 summary and “cherry sheet” of state reimbursements to towns. The issue of most concern is the proposed school budget jumping up 5.1 percent which must be borne by town contributions as Chapt. 70 is anticipated to be level to the district overall.
Darryll noted that health insurance contribution went down for the district from 90 percent to 78 percent, but pay rates went up to (some degree) make up difference. He explained the unions control health insurance decision. And that claims are up, possibly because of an aging population. Questions arose over rising transportation costs with fuel costs which should be going down, and why there’s a 5 percent budget increase with level service and level enrollment.
6:50 PM George Handy asked about almost 6 percent increase in teachers’ salaries. He believes the state Foundation Budget is wrong and asks the superintendent to analyze Foundation Budget vs. actual student costs by line item. Darryll says the special ed. and health insurance is just our of whack.
7:05 PM Stan notes that Princeton adheres to financial sustainability and wants the school committee to know the 5.1 percent increase is not sustainable . He complained that the selectmen never see one of their own school committee members at these meeting. He also pointed out that high MCAS scores reflect that the town is getting value for the money spent, and there is low turnover of staff. George wants to see a five-year plan to set goals and quantify them.
Darryll agreed about sustainability but said the district has to deal with a budget that’s 80 percent personnel. He wants to improve and expand computer/tech equipment for students and classrooms.
7:40 PM Selectmen voted all in favor to approve minutes of Jan. 25 and Exec. Session of Jan. 25. Crowd departed, leaving BOS only. Nina discussed snow clearing around town Hall walkways and hiring shovelers paid from Snow & Ice Account. Selectmen authorized T.A. to handle it—possibly solicit through Alex (intern) or as news item in The Landmark.
Board voted all in favor to appoint Jon F., Jim Dunbar and Nina N. to serve on the accountant-hire screening committee. They also voted all in favor to authorize the T.A. to sign for Emergency Management Performance Grant funding which the Fire Department obtained and vacancy insurance for Mechanics Hall.
An unemployment charge to the town for about $32,000 was discussed, probably stemming from the former fire chief. Board advised Nina to contact John Lebeaux.
8:10 PM Selectmen went into executive session. Stan moved and Jon seconded to go into executive session: in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, §21: Exemption Six - To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. Edith M. called for a vote and in roll call Edith voted “Aye,” Jon voted “Aye” and Stan voted “Aye.” Edith then announced that the Board would enter into executive session to discuss the WRSD lease agreement and return to regular session after adjourning.
See separate Executive Session minutes
New Business Recent inspection showed Princeton Center has rotting floors—whole building is going downhill. Nina reported that seven applications have been received for Hwy. Dept. position.
8:30 PM BOS voted all in favor to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted, Marie N. Auger, administrative assistant
BOS Referenced Documents: Update of the WRSD budget proposal;
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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