Town of Princeton, Mass., Selectboard Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2019 – 6:00 pm – Town Hall Annex
Present: Chair Richard Bisk, Karen Cruise, Edith Morgan w/ student member Kimberly Union and TA Nina Nazarian
6 PM Richy opened the meeting.
Minutes – The board voted all in favor to approve minutes of February 20, 21, 25 and 28, 2019.
Public Comment – Ed Carlson, 19 Pine Hill Rd resident, thanked board for addressing Fitchburg/Westminster landfill odor problem at previous BOS meeting. Present to address any questions the board may have on the Old Mill Road subject.
Jim Camp – 58 Mountain Rd resident asked board to consider postponing the decision on providing funds for litigation. David Cruise – Allen Hill Road resident and neighbor of Jim Camp, feels the Town has been more than fair and anticipates a fair and just outcome. Rich Granger, 64 Mountain Road and next door neighbor of Jim Camp, would like to see the Town make a decision and proceed with action to uphold the BOH Order to Correct for Camp’s failed septic system that runs onto his land and to address the lack of a swimming pool fence/cover along with a fence to keep Mr. Camp’s animals off of his property. Jim Hillis – BOH member. Speaking on behalf of the BOH stated that the issue has reached a point where there is no alternative but to seek litigation to resolve the matter. The BOH voted at
their January 28, 2019 BOH meeting to move forward with litigation against Mr. Camp to resolve this ongoing issue and would like BOS support in authorizing the funds to do so.
Edith reminded attendees that the Town Caucus is March 13th. There will be a potluck supper at 6 pm prior to caucus start time of 7 pm. 25 registered voters are needed.
Failed Septic System at 58 Mountain Road, Board of Health voted to commence enforcement action in court, BOS to authorize payment of legal cost – Board was provided a time line by Nina and BOH outlining the actions that have been taken in the past that has led up to the decision by the BOH to move forward with litigation. Nina explained to the board that town counsel advised that all issues with the property including zoning issues (i.e., Renting rooms via Craigs List ad, code violations etc…) be addressed in this case as well. Nina stated that assuming the board votes in favor of authorizing the funds, typically the legal process moves very slowly, if within that time frame situations change there is a possibility to take other avenues the BOH can explore.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted all in favor to authorize funds to be expended towards litigation to enforce the BOH Order to Correct at 58 Mountain Road regarding the failed septic system and the Inspector of Buildings order regarding zoning issues related to installing a pool fence/cover and to address other code violations as needed.
Old Mill Road Railroad Crossing – Nina recounted a conversation from the last meeting regarding a letter from Ed Carlson to the Providence and Worcester Railroad that was to be discussed at this meeting. Nina has no material updates and has not received any further documents from Mr. Carlson. She has exhausted all avenues and senior work off time expended on researching this subject and feels that the burden of proof lies on the individual. No more time will be spent on this until proven that it is indeed a public accepted way. Mr. Carlson discussed the research that he has done and what he has found out regarding the validity of Old Mill Rd being an official town road. He stated that he provided Nina with documents to prove it. Nina expressed that she had not received sufficient proof, nor the
documentation referred to by Mr. Carlson.
Council on Aging/Community Center – Nina stated that the space appears to really be taking shape based on her quick glance on Thursday of last week. One relatively minor hiccup has been presented about the second means of egress from the largest room, which is being worked out by Linda, Aimee and the management company. The project is on time and they anticipate early April move in date. Steve from Wellington Management has done a great job managing the project. It was also suggested by the Council on Aging that they invite the oldest resident to cut the ribbon for the Open House event. The Selectboard expressed agreement with the idea.
Annex & Public Safety Improvements “Stabilization” Project Update – The subject is being discussed to determine the best path forward, considering the unexpected cost addition of the police garage floor, the extent of work proposed for the truss repair on the fire department side, as well as the cesspool discovered below the Annex floor.
Bagg Hall Improvement “Stabilization” Project Update – The RFQ has been advertised, with proposals due March 26. Twelve requests have been received so far.
Capital Improvements target investment percentage – The Collins center needs guidance on a “target investment percentage” for both general capital investments and road reconstruction capital investments. The board would need to make a decision on the target investments, even if for example the road reconstruction does not get established as a percentage and is a flat number. It should be noted that the Road Advisory Committee has not requested over $350K for the next FY’s and has stated that they could reduce in future years. Buildings could be combined with roads in the future in terms of percentages. Guidelines and policy recommendations are needed from the Advisory Committee and percentages are subject to further review from their recommendations. The Selectboard plans to make a final
decision at its next meeting.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted all in favor to set the target capital improvements to budget ratio to 7% for general capital investments and 3.55% for roads, subject to the Advisory Committee recommendations.
Thomas Prince School, Notice of Restriction regarding PCBs – Richy recused himself from discussion and vote. Notice of Restriction with exhibits need to be filed at the Worcester Registry of Deeds regarding the requirement of the US Environmental Protection Agency, given that PCBs with greater than 1 part per million remain in the school building.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted 2-0-1 to authorize the TA to sign and file the Notice of Restriction relating to PCBs for the Thomas Prince School.
Snow & Ice, Authorize spending into a $20k deficit, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 44, §31D – As of the signing of the warrant on Tuesday, the snow and ice budget will be in a deficit of $2,715.11.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted all in favor to retroactively authorize spending up to a deficit of $20,000 pursuant to M.G.L. c. 44, §31D in the snow and ice removal expense account, effective March 5, 2019.
Use of Town Common/Gazebo – TA received an inquiry from a couple interested in using the gazebo for their wedding ceremony. TA was provided general rules by the town clerk for the procedure that is currently in place. Board discussed a set fee for residents and non-residents. Proof of residency would apply to bride and groom only.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted all in favor to set fees for use of the town common and/or gazebo at $50 for residents and $150 for non-residents with proof of residency to apply to bride and groom only.
Wachusett Greenways 2019 MassTrails Grant – Nina received an email from Ms. Colleen Abrams and a draft letter requesting support of the grant for the organization. The board has authorized this for at least the last two years.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted all in favor to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Wachusett Greenways 2019 MassTrails grant letter on behalf of the board.
Project Status Sheet Template – Karen created a document to track all projects/subjects before the board to be shared with the SB. The information is updated by Karen and Nina and view only access to Richy and Edith.
ADA Coordinator, Appoint – Nina recommended that Inspector of Buildings Fred Lonardo, be appointed as the ADA Coordinator. In the past, the Inspector of Buildings would serve in this role. This position addresses any ADA complaints by the public or staff.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted all in favor to appoint Mr. Fred Lonardo to the position of ADA Coordinator through June 30, 2019 and vote the small town exemption, allowing him to hold two positions.
Charles River Wheelers Bike Ride May 19, 2019 and North Face Endurance Challenge on June 8-9, 2019
For the Bike ride, they are expecting about 250 riders. The Police and Fire Chiefs have had the opportunity to review both of these events and provide their requirements to the respective event managers.
ACTION: The Selectboard voted all in favor the approve the May 19, 2019 cycling event called “Climb to the Clouds” by the Charles River Wheelers and approve the June 8-9, 2019 North Face Endurance Challenge road races.
Kimberley Union expressed her interest in volunteering to be on the Memorial Day Committee. TA will look into appointments regarding age requirement and put it on the next meetings agenda. Board & TA thanked her for her willingness to volunteer.
Correspondence/Communications:
- Letter from DCR re: PILOT Payment for FY2019 – The amount is the same as last year.
- Report from the Office of the Inspector General regarding Municipal Light Plants’ Sick-Leave Payouts
- Letter from several legislators to Superintendent McCall in response to his letter regarding WRSD’s financial needs and priorities for FY2020
- Letter from the Princeton Firefighter’s and EMT’s Association re: Use of the Town Common on Saturday, June 15th to host the 93rd running of the Wachusett Muster Leagues Fireman’s Muster
- Letter from MassDOT re: Chapter 90 funding for FY2020, subject to final legislative approval
- Email from Rick Gardner re: Stand Alone Trails Organization
Town Administrator’s Reports:
- FY’20 Budget Development – Upcoming budget meetings with departments:
- AC & TA – met with the Parks & Recreation and Council on Aging departments today between 5-6 pm.
- SB, AC & TA – Weds, March 13th between 5 and 6 pm with Monty Tech Administration.
- AC & TA – Weds, March 20th between 5 and 6 pm with the Highway Supt and RAC.
- AC (TA cannot attend due to a prior MMMA commitment) Weds, March 27th between 5 and 6 pm with the Library.
- Princeton Public Safety Building Site regarding Release Tracking Number 2-11327 – Nina shared the response from the town’s environmental consultant Tighe & Bond in response to MassDEP’s recent site visit.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:22 pm
Respectfully submitted, Terri Longtine
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