Town of Princeton, Mass., Selectboard Meeting Minutes
– February 20, 2019 – 5:30 PM – Town Hall Annex
Present: Chair Richard Bisk, Karen Cruise & Edith Morgan and TA Nina Nazarian.
5:30 PM Richy opened the meeting.
Mechanics Hall Request for Proposals– Members discussed the draft RFP submitted by the Mechanics Hall Committee. They also reviewed the RFP--with Karen’s comments--which was sent to the Committee. The M.H. Cmte. had conducted a survey of town residents and received 94 responses which were compiled and an additional 20 responses which were received after. Questions were about restrictions attached to sale of the building, to control the renovations and future uses of M.H. When totaled, 50 percent of respondents felt that any sale of the building should be done with no restrictions (42.55%) or had no opinion (7.45%). About 23 percent supported saving/maintaining only the front façade with columns and the rest opted for variations including total rehab inside and out or
exterior only, etc. Board members stated that too many conditions/restrictions may discourage potential buyers. They also discussed the “point” system that is used in RFPs or using terminology such as “highly advantageous”, “advantageous” and “not advantageous”. They also discussed the potential of the site’s future use being either commercial or residential--as zoning allows.
Group agreed the RFP Introduction should outline the S.B.’s overarching goal, which is to transfer the building to another owner who will use it in a way that’s an asset to the community while maintaining the façade (if possible). This can be done through a deed restriction and/or land development agreement.
Veterans Agent appointment 6 PM – Mr. Jared Sharp was in attendance and described his background and one year of duty in Iraq, and his experience upon return. He has a master’s degree in education, has worked for veterans agencies and serves as veterans agent in Westminster, Hubbardston and Ashburnham as well as Leicester.
ACTION: The board voted all in favor to appoint Mr. Jared Sharp to the position of veterans agent for a term through June 30, 2019.
Minutes –The Selectboard voted all in favor to approve minutes of February 1, 6 & 13 but not release executive session minutes of Feb. 6.
Joint Meeting with the Mechanics Hall Committee 6:10 PM Board discussed draft “Request for Proposals for the Sale and Renovation of Mechanics Hall” with committee members Larry Pistrang and Karen Rossow. Group went over previous discussion and the use of a point system; whether it would encourage potential buyers or not. It was noted that interest in commercial/office space at M.H. has been shown, but most often with the stipulation that the space be move-in ready. SB members pointed out that a Plan B should be considered if there are no bidders on the current RFP. The effect on abutting property values was mentioned by Karen suggesting that the group seek advice from a local realtor. Karen R. stated that the current state of the building is the worst
possible, with the Fire Dept. (will not enter) warning sign on the façade. Anything, including a tear-down, would be better for property values in her opinion.
In considering an extension of the M.H. Committee member terms, Karen R. and Larry P. favored disbanding the (ad hoc) committee as of this evening, as the S.B. originally voted. However, they offered to serve as informal volunteers to the S.B. as the RFP and possible sale move forward. S.B. members agreed and will edit the RFP at their communications meeting on Thursday. The board also expressed their appreciation to the M.H. Cmte. for all the effort and time they have devoted to the task.
Public Comment – Bill Yaglou came in on behalf of his brother Geoffrey’s family. He described all the issues associated with the back taxes owed and clean-up of their property at 171 Worcester Road. Bill has stepped in as the property was about to go into receivership under the attorney general. He is attempting to mitigate the expenses related to taxes, liens, legal fees and clean-up costs that may use up most or all the revenue gained from ultimately selling the property. Local real estate taxes haven’t been paid since 2013, and he asked for relief from a portion of the 14 percent interest that municipalities must add to unpaid tax bills. Town Counsel has advised that the town does not have authority to waive a portion of the interest as requested.
Strategy as it relates to the bond bill and funds for a new public safety complex – The group decided to discuss this issue further in Thursday’s meeting, in a “working group” setting.
Council on Aging - Sonoma space construction update 7:05 PM – Nina had reported the project is on schedule and within budget. S.B. needs to discuss the parameters of using the space as a community space, and a fee schedule will be needed. Karen has offered to work with Aimee Kindorf to research options and comparable fees from other communities or organizations, and the board is in support.
Annex & Public Safety improvements/stabilization project update – Nina reported that the architect came on Friday to review the 75% design plans. It was discovered that the Annex’s waste goes to a cesspool beneath the large room and solution is investigated out on how to re-route the system. The other matter is the structural concerns of the police garage floor and that it is unlikely that an engineer would approve anything less than complete repair, and costs are unknown at moment. The repair of a sagging truss on the fire department side and replacement of the police roof are also pending.
Bagg Hall improvements/stabilization project update – The scope of work has been finalized and is set for a final review, so the project is planned to be advertised soon.
Clarifying roles & responsibilities for Council on Aging and adopt charge – The group reviewed a revised draft charge from the Council on Aging that was voted in favor by the Council. Richy presented some additional relatively minor changes to wording.
ACTION: The board voted all in favor approve the Council on Aging charge as edited, including information on roles and responsibilities, membership, the voting right of members, officers, and meetings of members.
Town Clerk position to be advertised – Board members briefly discussed retirement of Town Clerk Lynne Grettum at the end of April.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted all in favor to advertise the future Town Clerk opening pursuant to the Classification & Compensation Study.
Correspondence/Communications:
- Email from resident Mike Morelly regarding the idea of having a wood pile for residents when the town does tree removal work.
Town Administrator report:
1. Title Exam for the Princeton Center site – The title exam for the Princeton Center site was completed and came back with no restrictions of record that would interfere with the proposed change of use of the land from school to public safety purposes.
2. Fiscal Year 2018 Financial Statements and Management Letter – The FY2018 financial statements and management letter have been finalized and emailed to the Selectboard and Advisory Committee. This milestone takes a large effort by our staff in working with the Auditor. The entire financial team reviews the draft information and provides comment before the statements are finalized.
3. FY2020 Budget Development – The meeting with the AC and TA on budget was Wednesday, February 20th between 5 and 6 PM with the fire chief. On Saturday, March 2nd, the group will meet with the Library, Council on Aging, and Parks & Recreation at 11 AM. On Wednesday, March 20th the Highway Superintendent and RAC are scheduled.
4. Copy of letter from Mr. Ed Carlson to Mr. Joseph Lavoie of the Providence and Worcester Railroad regarding his request that the US DOT designation of the railroad crossing for Old Mill Road be changed from private to public.
5. MMA's Legislative Breakfast Meetings - It appears that the closest to Princeton is Athol on March 29th (8 AM to 10 AM).
6. CMRPC Assessment for Princeton for FY20
Meeting Adjourned 7:25 PM
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, admin. assistant
S.B. Referenced Documents: draft RFP submitted by the Mechanics Hall Committee; survey results showing 94 responses to Mechanics Hall questions; Jared Sharp cover letter, resume and application; revised draft charge from the Council on Aging; Email from resident Mike Morelly; Letter from resident Ed Carlson to the Providence and Worcester Railroad; Notice of MMA Legislative Breakfast Meetings; CMRPC Assessment for FY20.
| 