Selectboard Meeting: April 16, 2025

Attending:

Robert Cumming (RC) Karen Cruise (KC), Philip Gott (PG), Sherry Patch (SP)
Note: PG attending virtually

Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 3:00 PM.

Justin Griffin met with the board for final approval of naming the Thomas Prince School Field after Coach Larry Pistrang.

Justin advised that he has met with the PTO , Parks and Rec, and others as requested by the board has received approval and support for naming the field. Justin also advised that he has met with Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf to discuss placement of the plaques and stone. RC moved to name the Thomas Prince School field after Coach Larry
Pistrang. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Presentation of Traffic Study Data

Jeff Howland and Rob Raymond, CMRPC Transportation Planners presented the results of the preliminary traffic study that was conducted. Jeff advised that traffic volume and speed information was collected at several locations in town. Per MGL Chapter 90, s. 17, unless a speed has been duly established and posted the prima facie speed limit is 40 mph unless in a thickly settled or established business district. In order to establish a new or change a speed limit an engineering study must be conducted per the MassDOT procedures. Based on the information collected, 84% of speeds fall within the reasonable speed that is either regulatory or the prima facie speed except for the Mountain Road location. Jeff noted that without the proper signage, enforcement would be difficult. SP asked about establishing safety zones on Mountain Road, Sawyer Park and Westminster Road. Jeff stated that some areas may meet the criteria for a Safety Zone. The traffic study report will be posted on the Town website.

Approval of Minutes

Move to approve the minutes of 4/2/2025 as amended.
Note: I have incorporated Bob’s time when he left the meeting.

Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant # 20

RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for Warrant #20 as follows:

• Payroll: 145,877.03
• Accounts Payable: 349,354.02
• Light Department: 173,752.56
• Total: 668,983.61
• KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Public Comment

None

New Business

Review Draft Special Event Permit Application & Procedure

RC expressed some concern regarding potential impact on annual events such as Hay Day and the Tennis Tournament. Hold for further review. No action taken.

Review and Approve Special Counsel Proposal Ervin vs. Town of Princeton

KC advised that additional resources are needed for Discovery. KC and SP are reviewing
options and costs. Under advisement. No action taken.

Vote FY 26 Budget -Article 3.

SP noted the change only change in the budget since the final budget presentation is in the highway wages due to additional funds added for the current vacancy. RC moved to approve the FY 26 budget of $14,177,364.84. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Vote to Approve Annual Town Election and Meeting Warrant

Article 1. RC moved to include. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Article 2. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 4. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 5. RC moved to include .PG 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 6. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 7. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 8. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 9. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 10. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 11. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 12. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 13. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 14. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 2-1RC
RC does not feel it is necessary as the town does not have a second ambulance. Mutual aid will respond if ambulance 1 is not available.
Article 15. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 16. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 17. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 18. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 19. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 20. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 21. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 22. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 23. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 24. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0
Article 25. RC moved to include .KC 2nd. Voted 3-0

Invitation Eagle Scout Court of Honor Rohan Paquette

RC will attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, May 4th at 2:00 PM at NORCO.

Draft RFQ for OPM Services Public Safety Building

RC stated that he struggles with not having funding for construction. KC stated that hiring the OPM is part of the design and construction process. PG stated that the OPM will provide knowledge that the committee doesn’t have and that we need to move forward. The Town has approved through design and bid for the project. KC moved to approve the Request for Qualifications for Owner’s Project Manager Services for the Public Safety Building Project pending Town Counsel approval and the updated schedule. PG 2nd . Voted 3-0.

Parks & Rec Request to Use Town Common for Town Wide Yard Sale

RC moved to approve use of the Town Common on Saturday, May 17th from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM for the Town Wide Yard Sale. KC 2nd Voted 3-0.

Treasurer Update on New Tax Title Law

Collector Treasurer Melissa Hawthorne provided an update on the new Tax Title Law. Melissa advised that the new law which will require a demand notification form be sent with real estate demands. The form outlines the demand and tax taking process.

Update Town Website Migration and Costs

KC advised that Civic CMS is no longer supporting the town website and that they will be moving to Civic Plus. KC stated that there is no cost. However, there will be a lot of limitations. KC is concerned about what will not be moved over to the new platform. KC is working with the Town Clerk to look at costs and options. The move must take place by November.

Correspondence and Communications

None

Old Business

Revised Parks & Recreation Director Job Description

Hold for further review. No action taken.

Bid Awards

None

Town Administrator Report & Update on Working Groups

SP reported that the RFP for a Preferred Trash Hauler has been reviewed by Rutland’s Town Counsel. The RFP will be going out in June. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for 6/17 at 1PM in Hubbardston. The proposal deadline is July 1.

Selectboard Report

KC reported that the Public Safety Building Committee received the schematic design including mechanics and the site plan. Conservation Commission met last night and discussed moving the drainage well out of the wetlands. Caolo & Bieniek are meeting with Chief Patriarca and Chief Bennett tomorrow.

RC reported that he is working on the Selectboard Budget Report and will have something for the board to review next week and for vote on 4/30. RC wanted more concrete information around the budget and town meeting warrant. RC will put a 4-5 page executive summary together. KC stated that last year’s report was missing projections an important piece for planning and big picture. PG stated the budget is what it is, and its impact is important. The process as a guide should only be written once.