Selectboard Meeting : August 20, 2025

Attending

Robert Cumming (RC), Philip Gott (PG), Sherry Patch (SP)

Absent

Karen Cruise (KC)

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.

Approval of Minutes

8/6/2025 Hold for review.  No action taken

Approval of Treasury Report FY 26 Warrant # 03

RC moved to approve the Treasury Warrant Report for FY 26 Warrant # 3 as follows:

Payroll:                             $145,986.07

Accounts Payable:             $196,248.28

Light Department:              $158,447.88

Total:                                 $500,682.23

PG 2^nd.  Voted: 2-0.

Public Comment

Advisory Committee members John Zimmatore, Gerry Pellegrini, Walter Zawacki and Peter Giumettee spoke in favor of the reappointment of Joshua Tanenbaum to a 3-year term on the Advisory Committee.

Elizabeth Clemence formerly of 177 Worcester Road spoke on behalf of her parents Scott and Holly Clemence of 177 Worcester Road. Ms. Clemence urged the board to approve the demolition permit for the garage at 171 Worcester Road.  Ms. Clemence urged the board to demo the garage and lien the property as allowed under MGL. Ms. Clemence advised the board that her parents are unable to attend the meetings due to the time and suggested that the board consider changing the time of their meetings.

Holly Burgess, Sam Cobb Lane thanked Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf, and all involved for their work.  Holly stated that Ben was very responsive, respectful and she appreciated his communication during the project.

Appointment

RC moved to appoint Philip O’Brien Associate Member Open Space Committee.  Term to 6/30/26. PG 2^nd.  Voted 2-0.

Joshua Tanenbaum Reappointment to the Advisory Committee

Discussion: Discussed Joshua Tanenbaum’s letter declining a one year appointment to the Advisory Committee.  It was noted that the town bylaws provide for 3 year terms for Advisory Committee members.

Motion: RC moved to rescind the appointment of Joshua Tanenbaum to the Advisory Committee for a one-year term ending 6/30/2026.  PG  2^nd.  Voted 2-0

Discussion: The board discussed development of a social media policy and standards of conduct.  RC commented on the town of Harvard’s Standard of Conduct policy.  SP noted that there is a Standard of Conduct Policy and one also in the town’s Personnel Policies.

Motion: RC moved to appoint Joshua Tanenbaum to the Advisory Committee for a 3-year term ending 6/30/2028.  PG 2^nd.

Discussion: RC cited Joshua’s attacking of a resident’s character on social media (Next Door) and at the Annual Town Meeting for not supporting Joshua’s  reappointment to the Advisory Committee.  PG stated that he has exchanged emails with Josh and had suggested the one year term as a wake up call.  PG stated that Josh is aware of the issues and that he feels the message has gotten through.  PG stated that he is in favor of a 3 year appointment. Holly Burgess spoke regarding her post on Next Door and her interaction with Joshua.  Holly stated that she did submit a letter to the Advisory Committee regarding Josh’s responses.  Holly stated that being young and generational is not an acceptable rationale for Josh’s behavior.

Vote: The voted ended in a tie vote 1-1. The reappointment  will be discussed at the next Selectboard meeting when there is full board.

New Business

East Princeton Rotary Assessment of Traffic Hazard and Crash Statistics

PG read Chief Patriarca’s letter regarding accident statistics at before the construction of rotary and since the rotary was installed.

Invitation Eagle Scout Court of Honor-Joseph Zelley

The board signed the certificate of recognition for Joseph Zelley.  Invitation declined as no one from the selectboard is available to attend on 8/22.

Amended Cemetery Deed

RC moved to approve the amended Cemetery Deed for Daniel P. Callahan and Elizabeth Hammond Callahan, 58 Greene Road, lot 49D North Cemetery, 1 cremation lot. PG 2^nd.  Voted 2-0.

Correspondence and Communications

• Joshua Tanenbaum letter declining one year appointment
• Helga Lyons regarding reappointment of Joshua Tanenbaum
• Richard Bisk and, separately, Jen Fielding regarding sign placement on Westminster Road 

Old Business

Possible Vote Revised Job Description Parks & Recreation Director

No action was taken.  RC would like to review the original and revised descriptions.

Update 11 Sharon Drive Unregister Vehicles

Town Counsel is working with Building Inspector Fred Lonardo and has advised that they in the process of requesting an administrative warrant from the court.  The process takes some time. SP will provide updates as more information is available.

Update 171 Worcester Road Possible Vote to Issue Demo Permit for Garage

SP advised that the demolition permit for the garage at 171 Worcester Road was not issued due to non-payments of taxes as allowed under the town general bylaws.  Town Counsel has advised that the board should issue the demolition permit as the property will have more value if the town takes the property for non-payment of taxes.  RC moved to issue the demolition permit for the garage at 171 Worcester Road. PG 2^nd.  Voted 2-0.

Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants

SP advised that the Town received a $53k MVP Action Grant to develop a Mount Wachusett Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Town Administrator Report & Update on Working Groups

SP advised that Regional Trash Hauler proposals due 8/26/2025.SP noted that several Hauler’s expressed interest and attended the pre-proposal meeting at the Rutland Library including representatives from E.L. Harvey, Casella, and Win-Waste.

Selectboard Report

PG noted that he received information regarding the DCR septic variance for Mechanics Hall which indicated that a 2 bedroom equivalent is possible.  However, the variance expired in July.  PG advised that he received 2 letters opposing the placement of a sign at the Westminster Road intersection.

RC asked if the Westminster Road beautification project doesn’t take place if we need to take any other safety measures.  Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf suggested placing 3 large rocks at the corners of the island.

Advisory Committee Chair Peter Giumette reported that the Advisory Committee met las week.  They reorganized.  Jennifer Greene was elected as vice chair.  Forrest Finkler was elected as secretary.  Peter advised that Committee liaisons have changed and that he will be submitting an updated list.  The committee also reviewed the selectboard’s FY 26 Focus Areas and is available to assist as requested

Adjournment

RC moved to adjourn the meeting.  PG 2^nd.  Voted 2-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:31 PM. 

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator

Referenced documents incorporated

• Joshua Tanenbaum Letter Declining 1-year Advisory Committee Appointment
• John Zimmatore Letter of Support for Reappointment of Joshua Tanenbaum
• Helga Lyons email regarding reappointment of Joshua Tanenbaum
• Chief Patriarca email regarding East Princeton Rotary Crash Statistics