Town of Princeton, Mass. – May 22, 2017 – 7:30 PM
Board of Selectmen – Regular Meeting Minutes
Chairman Jon Fudeman, Edith Morgan, and Richard Bisk, plus TA Nina Nazarian.
7:30 PM The Board opened BOS meeting in Town Hall Annex.
Richard B. moved and Edith M. seconded to go into executive session, and return to regular session, in accordance with Executive Session, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, §21:
Exemption One - To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual. The individual to be discussed in such executive session shall be notified in
writing by the public body at least 48 hours prior to the proposed executive session; provided,
however, that notification may be waived upon written agreement of the parties.
Exemption Three – To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.
In roll call Jon F. voted “Aye;” Edith M. voted “Aye” and Richard B. voted “Aye.”
Separate Executive Session Minutes
8:55 PM In Executive Session, the board voted to adjourn and return to its regular meeting.
Nina explained that a special vendor warrant was before the board which they signed. It is to cut checks to recipients of Cultural Council grants (i.e. artists). As they do not meet next week, each selectman must come in Tuesday, May 30, to sign the regular warrants FT’17-24.
Group discussed the Building Study Group which has been working as citizen volunteers. A proposed charge has been drafted prepared by the ad-hoc group which selectmen reviewed. This action is consistent with the BoS’s and TA’s FY17 goals. The group recommends a 5 member committee. The Board is agreeable to the proposed charge, and voted all in favor to adopt the charge and authorize the T.A. to advertise the new Facilities Steering Committee for a period of three weeks. Nina distributed a list of skills and experience that may be used when considering potential members.
Nina explained that few newly elected officials have inquired about a Town email address, which could provide the Town a guarantee of record storage, however each license would have a cost of $35 per year. Considering only elected officials would be a cost of roughly $800. Selectmen agreed that town volunteers should, as an alternative, set up separate (free) email accounts for doing town business. Rich noted that he did that for his campaign and it made tracking of activities/finances much easier.
A related issue is residents still using the email address left over from WiFi under PMLD: Princeton-ma.us. Currently it is maintained by Phil Mighdoll on a volunteer basis, and he is paying the minor fees. He suggests the town oversee it and pass on the fees to users. Group discussed risks involved with that responsibility and decided the town doesn’t wish to be involved and phase it out or wait for new options with Charter.
It was noted that the next BOS meeting is at 5:30 PM on June 12 and the group would like to get together with Jeff Wulfson again to discuss Chapter 70 (education) funding from the state. Also at that meeting, applications for Facilities Steering Committee will be available as the deadline for submission is June 9.
Jon F. stated that he’s like to find ways to improve communications with residents. Two topics keep surfacing and people want answers: building repair/upgrade and broadband. Edith suggested quarterly newsletters mailed with electric bills, as Holden mails them with their light company electric bills, even though it’s processed by an outside vendor. Also, agendas could provide more detail. Many municipalities now using Facebook and Twitter etc., and newspapers are fading away.
Group discussed need for naming a clerk for the board, and voted all in favor to elect Rich B.
Selectmen voted all in favor with Rich abstaining to approve minutes from April 18 & 19 and May 1. They voted all in favor with Jon F. abstaining to approve minutes of May 15.
9:50 PM The board voted all in favor to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, admin. assist.
BOS Referenced Documents: Charge proposed by Building Study Group along with list of skills and experience
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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