Town of Princeton, Mass., Selectboard Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2019 – 8:30 AM – Town Hall Annex
Present: Chair Karen Cruise, Richard Bisk, Matthew Moncreaff and interim TA Rick White
8:30 AM Karen opened the meeting. Rick noted that WRSD seeks a municipal representative for collective bargaining, one from each district town. Designee will be appointed at next meeting. These representatives will be meeting on Monday, June 10 at 6 PM.
Annual Town Meeting – Group discussed the Annual Town Meeting and what to take away from it. All agreed about need for more focus on financial planning, Matt preferred using “Finance” rather than “Advisory” as name because it may attract more finance-oriented volunteers. Karen stressed difference between data and information, as information includes an explanation. Providing lots of data to voters may not be so helpful. Group discussed need for earlier completion of budgeting & warrant and how earlier timeframes can be hindered with last-minute discoveries, such as the Annex septic system. Rick had several suggestions for staying on schedule, such as firm dates for opening and closing the warrant, with only S.B. able to re-open (for an emergency) after the closing date.
Karen summarized the number one ATM take-away as the S.B.’s need for getting a tighter budget process in place.
Regarding other articles, the zoning amendment to prohibit mobile homes was not approved because of concern over “tiny homes.” Matt offered to forward some relevant tiny home bylaws he has researched from other communities, and he will forward this info to the Planning Board for possible consideration in Princeton’s zoning bylaws.
Advisory Committee – It was noted that there are two empty seats on the A.C. and that the terms of Wayne Adams and Helga Lyons are up soon. Richy distributed a copy of the by-law change that had been proposed and defeated at ATM. Rick pointed out that the A.C. in most communities doesn’t work in an operational capacity—it just advises on the ATM warrant. Group agreed that it is important for an A.C. member to be a good communicator, collaborator and someone interested in planning the financial future for the town. The goals of the A.C. should be discussed and defined. Rick suggested that the budget process should be more open and include (some) public participation. He will provide a draft of a budget schedule for FY’21. He stressed that the A.C. should be included in every phase of the
budget process (invite them to everything) and their feedback sought. The language in the citizens’ petition for changing the A.C. was discussed, as some wording may be used in developing a charge. Richy offered to craft a request for A.C. applicants.
Memorial Day – Matthew offered to represent the S.B. and speak at Memorial Day ceremonies.
Committee appointments/roles – Group reviewed the protocol for appointing board/committee members, as everyone must apply, including incumbents whose terms are expiring. Group considered pros and cons of rotating the Chair position and possibly requesting or requiring term limits of two years for chairs of all boards. All agreed to hold off on appointing new A.C. members until a new charge for them is confirmed which better defines their responsibilities.
New website in the works – The new website gives each department/board/committee control of their sections/pages. Karen suggests developing a new “finance” page.
Building Maintenance Committee considered – Karen distributed a draft Princeton charge gleaned from other towns. Rick noted that the town really needs a maintenance plan integrating systems management. This committee might make recommendations to the T.A. or do grant writing, like the Road Adv. Cmte. Group discussed using volunteer “advisors” as simpler solution instead of official committee for special projects. One example discussed was whether or not we need a committee to continue the work of the FSC2 Would it be possible to have the TA work with a couple of advisors to move to the next step?
Karen offered to edit the description as per comments and consider a vote to implement it at the next meeting.
Pending repairs – Matt pointed out that the T.P. School parking lot floods regularly and needs attention. The WRSD is responsible for repairs under $35,000. It was also noted that the field house at Krashes has no maintenance plan or budget and needs attention as well. The town common gazebo needs a new roof. The library is unique in that the Trustees collaborate with the town to maintain the library facilities.
DPW needs dept. head – Group considered ways to find a compromise with Glenn Lyons to extend his weeks of employment into the fall, as major projects are just starting.
S.B. communications – Board discussed hosting bi-monthly breakfast meetings with committee chairs—or their designees. This could start in June. They also discussed hosting bi-monthly listening session for residents. For next communication to residents, Richy suggested announcing the staff changes with Lynne Grettum’s retirement: Ginger Toll is now town clerk and Susan Priest is in Ginger’s former position of Building Dept. admin. assistant and assistant town clerk. Also, the S.B. should present its summer meetings schedule. Richy distributed a draft of the next communications “letter to residents” which addresses staff changes in Town Hall and dits were suggested by the SB. The final version will be approved next Tuesday May 28, before it
gets posted online.
Project for Kim Union – Karen suggests finding a summer project for student member Kim Union. The group discussed possibilities.
Meeting schedule -- The board reviewed upcoming dates and will meet at 8:30 AM on May 28 for their regular meeting and on June 4 for goal-setting. Matt announced that he would be in morning classes from July 8 – Aug. 13 so the group will switch to 1 PM on Tuesdays during that timeframe.
Capital Plan – Rick noted that the Capital Plan devised by the Collins Center needs some editing and he will follow up.
10:25 AM Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger
Referenced Documents: Citizens’ petition from ATM warrant; Princeton charge for Building Maintenance Cmte.; draft communications “letter to residents; Karen’s notes for meeting re takeaways from ATM and priorities for SB for summer
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