Attending
Robert Cumming (RC), Karen Cruise (KC), Philip Gott (PG), Sherry Patch (SP)
Note: KC Chair, RC attending virtually
Call to Order
KC called the meeting to order at 3:06 PM.
Richard Bisk of 34 Westminster Road met with the board to express his concern regarding the potential for speed on Westminster Road once the road has been resurfaced this summer.
Richy recommended that the board consider incorporating design elements into the project that would have a significant impact on reducing speed. Richy noted that the wide left turn onto Westminster Road from Mountain Road is of concern as vehicles do not slow down. Richy suggested signage, speed plateaus and enforcement as possible options. RC noted that Berlin has advised that they have not had any issues with plows and speed humps. Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf advised that design is not part of the project and that he will be implementing signage and speed radar feedback signs. Chief Patriarca stated that he will be implementing aggressive enforcement, and education via social media. Ben would like to consider a raised median like on Gleason Road to slow traffic. RC stated that he is advocating for speed humps in flat locations, and if residents want them. Residents attending the meeting in person and virtually requested that the board take another look at traffic calming prior to construction.
Appointments
KC moved to appoint Philip O’Brien Associate Member Open Space Committee. Term to: 6/30/2025. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Susan Connell Alternate member of the Agricultural Commission. Term 6/30/2025. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Jennifer Ford to the position of Animal Inspector. Term to:5/1/2025-4/30/2026. PG. 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Resignation
KC moved to accept the resignation of Meghan Bodwell from the Parks & Recreation Committee. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 2/26/2025 as amended. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 3/19/2025 as amended. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant # 19
KC moved to accept the Treasury Report for-Warrant # 19 as follows
- Payroll: 135,100.49
- Accounts Payable: 1,683,347.40
- Light Department: 193,432.91
- Total: 2,011,880.80
RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Public Comment
None
New Business
KC moved to approve the Board of Health Fee Schedule as presented. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC noted that the new fee schedule is in line with what peer towns are charging.
KC moved to approve of Norco Sportsman Club Change of Officers. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the Thomas Prince Maintenance Agreement. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
SP noted that the agreement is for one year only as we will be negotiating a new lease for next year. We may want to make some changes then.
KC moved to approve the Fire Chief Contract Amendment. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0
The Contract Amendment reflects the change in FLSA laws. Hourly to salary (non-exempt to exempt) No change in salary.
KC moved to approve the Library request for use of Town Common on July 10th from 6PM to 9PM. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC has drafted an updated Selectboard Project Page for the website. SP has submitted updates. Phil submitted changes for the Housing Committee. Bob had no changes. KC will add the Community Heart & Soul Project to the page.
KC moved to approve the Town Administrator contract renewal effective July 1, 2025-June 30, 2028. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Correspondence and Communications
The board acknowledged receipt of the following email communications:
Jack Dunk-Charter/Spectrum Frustration
Hayla Sluss-Eagle Scout Court of Honor & Citation Request
Richy Bisk-Westminster Road
Ron Curry-Westminster Road/Planters on Mountain Road
Sue Deliddo-Westminster Road
Old Business
FY 26 Budget Update & Important Dates
4/9/2025 @ 6:30 PM FY 26 Final Budget Presentation
4/16/2025 Selectboard vote FY 26 Budget and ATM Warrant Articles
4/29/2025 Advisory Committee Public Hearing on Budget and Warrant Articles
5/13/2025 TBD Pre-Town Meeting Open House from 5PM to 6:30 PM
5//13/2025 Annual Town Meeting at 6:30 PM
CMRPC Traffic Data Report
Report is still pending. SP has reached out to CMRPC to see if they are available on 4/16 to present the Traffic Study results.
Clarification and Discussion Regarding Use Fees for the Sr. Center/Community Center
KC reviewed edits ($75 per day, and $150 multiple days/2 rooms) clarifying error in Use Policy. KC moved to accept revisions. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Bid Awards
KC Moved to award the bid for the Sam Cobb Lane Resurfacing & Related Work to Massachusetts Broken Stone. Low bid:$142,148.50. Project Estimate: $275,000. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Note: RC left meeting at 3:56 PM.
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
SP advised that the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) has announced their FY 26 application period is open. She is working with departments to identify potential projects. There is an interest in a LULA lift for the Fieldhouse at Krashes that would provide access to the second floor. KC stated that there are no second means of egress for the second floor. SP advised that she is also working with Ben and Phil Connors on a project for the Town Campus parking lot and library walkway. SP noted that we would also repair the septic line at that time.
Selectboard Report
KC proposed having a place where residents can drop by and talk to each other. KC suggested using the Community Center on Saturdays from 9AM to 11AM. The Center would be staffed by a volunteer(s) from various boards and committees. KC volunteered to host the first event this Saturday. Lucy Parker volunteered to bake.
Adjournment
KC Moved to adjourn. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0.
Meeting Adjourned at 4:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator