Selectboard Meeting: August 6, 2025

Attending

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

Call to Order

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

Planning Board Chair, John Mirick gave an overview of Chapter 40A process.

John advised that approval by the Attorney General is required after Town Meeting adoption of zoning bylaws and amendments. The Attorney General’s rejection of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Bylaw provisions, which prohibit stand-alone ADU’s and the selectboards right to appeal that decision.  John advised that the Attorney General struck the provision that prohibited stand-alone ADUs, but allowed the provisions that require an ADU to be clearly subordinate to the principal dwelling, and that requires that the exterior appearance of the buildings on a lot remains to the extent feasible that of a dwelling and subordinate accessory buildings. Because there is nothing in the statute about stand-alone ADUs, the Planning Board discussed the possibility of an appeal from that portion of the AG’s decision. John stated that the Planning Board recognizes that appeals can be costly, may not be successful, and could affect the Town’s relationships with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on other initiatives in the future. John advised that if the AG’s decision is not challenged, there is still some ability through site plan review to maintain the appearance of the Town and its rural character. John stated that the Planning board felt it should be the Selectboard’s decision  if the AG’s decision is significant enough to spend money on an appeal..  PG stated that the if passed the bylaw  could be circumvented. PG noted that the Housing Implementation Committees does not recommend appealing the AG’s decision.

Motion: KC moved not to appeal the AG’s decision on the ADU bylaw.  PG 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Princeton Arts Society Request for Rate Reduction for Winter Show

The board met with Jean Strock and Judi Dino representing the Princeton Arts Society to discuss their request for a reduced rate for use of Sr. Center/Community Center for the winter holiday show. RC recommended not charging for setup if it’s done after hours. Judi advised that setup for the winter show takes all day. They are usually there on Thursday at noon and again on Friday. KC expressed concerned regarding setting a precedent if other groups want to use the center as it will interfere with the intent by taking a room or two out use.

Motion: RC moved to $1050 for the winter show additional charges will apply if all items are not out by Tuesday.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0. 

Approval of Minutes

• RC moved to approve the minutes of 7/7/2025. KC 2^nd Voted 3-0.
• RC moved to approve the minutes of 7/9/2025 as amended. KC 2^nd. Voted 3-0.
• RC moved to approve the minutes of 7/14/2025. KC 2^nd. Voted 3-0.

Approval of Treasury Report – FY 25 Warrant #27 and FY 26 Warrant # 1 & 2

Motion: RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for FY 25  Warrant #27 as follows:

Payroll:                            $15,066.18

Accounts Payable:           $96,497.51

Total:                               $111,563.69

Vote: KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Motion: RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for FY 26 Warrant #1 as follows:
Payroll:                             $129,609.81

Accounts Payable:           $433,246.66

Light Department:            $171,425.60

Total:                                $734,282.07

Vote: KC 2^nd.   Voted 3-0.

Motion: RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for FY 26 Warrant #2 as follows:

Payroll:                             $146,863.74

Accounts Payable:           $900,104.57

Light Department:            $160,563.04

Total:                              $1,207,531.35

Vote: KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Public Comment

Chris Lawton of Redwood Drive, Diane Falco and Peter Gobi commented on the illegal car repair business that is still being conducted at 11 Sharon Drive after a special permit from the Planning board was denied.  Residents have submitted photos and letters regarding the operation of the business in a residential neighborhood.  It was noted that there have been 12-15 vehicles on the property.  Vehicles are also being brought in late at night. SP advised that the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer is working with Town Counsel on this matter.

FY 26 Appointments

RC moved to appoint Joshua Tanenbaum to the Advisory Committee.  KC 2^nd.  The board discussed the reappointment of Joshua Tanenbaum to the Advisory Committee. RC stated that he me with Josh to discuss his concerns and Ed Cichon’s.  Josh felt his comments were taken out of context and that he had a different point of view.  RC stated that he does not support his candidacy for reappointment.  PG proposed an amendment to the motion to appoint Johusa Tanenbaum to the Advisory Committee for a one year term to 6/30/2026.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 2-1 (RC)

RC moved  to appoint William Dino to the Board of Health. Term to 6/30/2028. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Greg Dowdy to the Board of Health.  Term to 6/30/2028.  KC 2^nd. Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Philip O’Brien to the Open Space Committee. Term to 6/30/2028. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to Jennifer Shenk to the Housing Implementation Committee.  Term to 6/30/2028. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint the following Election Officers term to 7/31/2026:

• Linda Albrecht
• Debra Brenner
• Susan DeLiddo
• Karen Fleury
• Claire Golding
• Jennifer Hilton
• Richard McKay
• Greg Miranda
• Carolyn Nelson
• Winton Pitcoff
• Alan Sentkowski
• Chirstine Svelnis
• Joyce Szerejko
• Frances Thomas
• Carla Royak Volturo
• Mary Jo Wojtusik
• Barbara Gates
• Lynne Grettum
• Lisa Farnsworth

KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Jean Green as an Election Officer.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 2-0-1 PG Abstained.

RC moved to appoint Larry DeBlois  Alternate CMRPC Representative.  Term to 6/30/2026. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

New Business

Abandoned Property at 21 Prospect St

The board acknowledged receipt of a letter from Louis and Laura Nelson regarding abandoned property at 21 Prospect Street. The Building Inspector and Fire Inspector advised that the property was inspected after dispatch received a call for a defective Co2 detector.   No other problems were noted, and the property owner was notified.

Stuck Truck on Pine Hill Rd

RC advised that he received an email from Ed Carlson regarding a large truck that was stuck on Pine Hill Road suggesting that the road be posted to avoid further problems.

Discussion Regarding WRSD Lease and Maintenance Agreement Renewal at Thomas Prince School

The board discussed renewal terms for the Thomas Prince School Lease.  RC would like to include language that the building cannot be Sublette without the permission of the selectboard and school committee.  PG would clarification regard use of space and who pays for what.  KC agreed that clear language about use of space and costs should be addressed.  Also, an increase in the annual septic repair and replacement costs should be considered.

Motions

• RC moved to Approve the Sale of Lot to Carla Volturo 350 Ball Hill Road Woodlawn Cemetery Lot 37C, space B 1 body lot. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.
• RC moved to Approve Sale of Lot to Alexander Hale, 23 Esty Road, Woodlawn Cemetery, Lot 23B, space B 1 Cremation Lot. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Owner’s Project Manager Contract

RC moved to award the contract for Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Service to Vertex Companies LLC.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.  The contract fixed price contract amount is $132,449.

RC noted that the Standard of Care under Section 2 of the contract references Eastern Massachusetts.   SP will clarify Central Massachusetts with Town Counsel.  PG stated that the RFQ states that the design and construction documents must be complete by 9/30.  KC advised that the RFQ is provides a framework that the dates are not carved in stone and can be modified by agreement of both parties.  KC further advised that she doesn’t  think there will be a Town Meeting seeking funding for construction until sometime in February or March.  KC advised that PFAS are assumed at the location, which is resulting in issues for how to conduct well drilling for sampling water for the public water supply.

One Day Liquor Permits

RC moved to approve One Day Liquor Permit Requests from Troy Milliken Seven Saws Brewing on August 8, 15, 22, 29 at Monti’s Farm and Deli, 194 Worcester Road.

Schedule Department Head Meeting

A meeting with Department Heads was scheduled for September 17^th at 12:00 PM.

Schedule Board and Committee Chair Breakfast

The next Board Committee Chair Breakfast was scheduled for October 1, 2025 at 7:30 AM.

Authorization of Ambulance Purchase Agreement

RC moved to approve the Agreement to purchase an ambulance from Bulldog Apparatus. KC 2^nd. Voted 3-0.  SP noted the total cost is $402,455.  The town did put a deposit of $10,000 down. Leaving a balance of $392,455.  The town is leasing the purchase.  The anticipated delivery date is Spring 2025.

Correspondence and Communications

Public Comment on DCR Wachusett Complex Resources Management

The board approved comments submitted by the Environmental Action Committee.  KC noted that the Wachusett Mountain Advisory Council has also submitted comments.

Old Business

Update 11 Sharon Drive Unregister Vehicles

SP noted that the Building Inspector is working with Town Counsel to address the unregistered vehicles and illegal operation of a car repair business.

Update 171 Worcester Road

The Building Inspector is working with Town Counsel to address issues.  Letter sent seeking permission to inspect property. Geoff Yaglou met with the Building Inspector last week and advised that he would like extension of time (30 days) to remove some of the vehicles prior to an inspection of the property.  The board agreed to extend the deadline to September 1^st.

Westminster Road-Signs/Beautification at Intersection

RC noted that sign installation is not allowed under zoning bylaws.  KC stated the selectboard can allow it.  PG noted that the selectboard has jurisdiction on all town property.  PG stated we need to be more business friendly.

Bid Awards

RC read the Resolution.  Noted contact price of  $211,963.12.  Interest Rate M & T Bank 4.96%

RC moved to award the bid for the Highway Department Excavator to Equipment East and approve Lease Financing through M & T Bank.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to award the contract for MVP 2.0 Consulting Services to Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. (CMRPC).  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

SP advised that project is  grant funded project.  We will be working with a Core Team of town representatives and community liaisons. The project is a Climate Resiliency Educational Campaign and an EAC Initiative.  CMRPC will be providing planning consulting services as part of phase 1 of the project.  Phase 2 will be implementation of a seed grant project identified during the planning phase.

Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants

RC moved to authorize Town Administrator to sign Shared Streets Grant Agreement.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Selectboard Report

KC discussed the Town Website transition from Civic Plus to New Website Proud City.  KC would like to reach out to residents for picture for the various departments and board and committee pages.  PG stated that he thinks that final approval of any photos should be with the department heads.  KC will send out a Town News seeking photos and coordinate with departments and board and committees for approval.

Adjournment

RC moved to adjourn the meeting.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:13 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator