Advisory Committee Meeting: April 1, 2025

AC members in attendance: Peter Giumette, Jennifer Greene, Forrest Finkler
Gerry Pellegrini, Josh Tanenbaum, Walter Zawacki, John Zimmatore
The AC meeting commenced at 6: 36 p.m. (via GoToMeeting)
Approval of March 11 meeting minutes
Postponed – Jennifer will circulate.
Public Comments
Walter reported that he was told that we don’t need the PSB, 24/7 ambulance, or as big of a
fire and police.
The same person said that we have a “tax and spend SB and a rubber stamp AC.” Walter
pointed out that this was a strong constituency in town.
Liaison updates
Selectboard: Peter & Walter
3/19/25
There will be a snow and ice deficit, though not sure how much. Conditionally, they used
the AC Discretionary Account (at $75k now).
Discussion of adding the meals tax proposal to the warrant. This issue was the impetus for
Phil getting the Princeton Business Association together.
PMLD Board: John
Connection with Sterling fell through, because Sterling backed off. Now Holden is actively
interested in providing power.
Peter asked whether there would be any upgrades needed to connect with Holden. John
stated that upgrades that had been made for Sterling have been made and hopefully the
considerations will be the same for Holden.
Forrest asked if there will be an additional cost with Holden since the connection is less
direct. Will there be a change in the rate? John said the details aren’t fleshed out with
Holden.
EAC: Gerry
Cory Burnham-Howard won a $100k grant for energy efficiency and renewable energy
projects.
Princeton Business Association Meeting: Gerry
25 different businesses came led by Phil Gott.
Will meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 at the Barn.
It’s not a formal town committee (hence, meeting at The Barn), but will proceed as a formal
association.
Planning Board: Forrest, Gerry, and Josh
Public Hearing held on the Bylaw amendments:
o Design criteria for common driveways
o Flood plain development restrictions
o Conversion of single to multifamily dwellings
o High Density MBTA overlay district Community
Looks to be fiscally neutral.
Forrest noted that maps for Princeton are rather out of date with regard to the state GIS.
Gerry noted that the latest FEMA maps are used for the 100-year flood plains.
Public Safety Building: John
Meetings will be held every other week from here forward.
Finalizing design details.
Karen put a web page on the Town website, outlining committee work and timeline for
greater transparency which will smooth the way.
Old Business
o Update of FY26 budget process
Latest budget book was sent to members by Peter. Currently at -$5,000 – clearly not
enough to go for an override, so will likely make a few cuts or get it from Free Cash (which is
down to around $100k).
o Update on ATM Warrant and AC section of ATM report
Still don’t know where the SB is at with their report.
Peter asked if we should concentrate on the same kind of benchmarking done in previous
years. Forrest noted that they are useful, and that it’s important that folks understand what
they are spending on.
The Committee will meet on April 8th at 6:30 at the Senior Center to work on the report.
Peter will invite Mike Cote to join given his prior work on the reports.
New business
o Approval of reserve fund transfer to pay for engine replacement on Highway
Department vehicle
Peter motioned to transfer $28,272.66 to the Highway Department from the AC Reserve
Fund and that the Committee empower Peter to sign for the committee. (See attachment)
Forrest seconded. 7Y/0N/0A
o Review and discussion of WRSD FY26 budget presentation
Overall impressions:
Forrest – both institutions are doing a good job at trying to contain costs and presenting as
balanced a budget as possible in this economic environment. Josh agreed, especially
since kids need more these days.
Gerry noted that the containment of costs significantly lower than inflation is impressive.
Peter noted that it’s odd that Princeton and Sterling pay so much more per student than
other towns within the same district.
Forrest noted that the STEAM program is really worthwhile and of great value to TPS.
Peter noted that we need the State to change the way it allocates money, but it will
probably remain as is for now. Gerry asked whether there might be some way to work
toward legislative changes; perhaps something the SB could work toward? Peter stated
that the SB did send a letter to the State House about school funding. There has been
legislation filed to alter the formula by an advocacy group called 211 + 1.
Forrest noted that it would be good for the AC to dissect the issue into understandable bits
that could be shared with town for those who want to advocate for change.
Peter and Walter will check with SB tomorrow on what has been done and what might be
done.
Town Meeting is scheduled for May 13th so we will need move on it pretty quickly.
Next AC Meeting
The AC will meet on:
o April 8th at 6:30 at the Senior Center to work on the AC section of the ATM Report
o April 9th at 6:30 in a joint meeting with the SB for the Final Budget Presentation.
Jennifer motioned to adjourn the meeting; John seconded: 7Y/0N/0A
The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Minutes recorded by Jennifer Greene (Secretary)
Attachments: