Selectboard Meeting: February 19, 2025
3:00 pm Annex (large) and Virtual
6 Town Hall Dr, Princeton 01541
Published on: September 05, 2025 at 6:31am
Last modified: September 05, 2025 at 2:29pm
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Requested by: Chair, Robert Cumming
__________________________________________________________________
“The listings of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours before said meeting, which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”
List of Topics to be Discussed
Announcements
This meeting is being recorded
Call to Order
Resignations
Winton Pitcoff, Poll Worker
Appointments
- Ed Katebi, Environmental Action Committee
- Winton Pitcoff, Board of Registrars
Approval of Minutes
- 1/9/2025
- 2/5/2025
Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant # 16
Public Comment
Residents may address the Selectboard on matters of interest to the public for up to three (3) minutes.
New Business
- Early Voting Opt Out
- 2025 Princeton Day Costs
- Parks & Recreation Director Vacancy
- Sr Center/Community Center Use Fees
- Vote to Authorize Chair to Sign the Subordination and Non-Disturbance Agreement for 206 Worcester Road, Post Office Place.
Correspondence and Communications
Old Business
Update & Discussion FY 26 Preliminary Budget Presentation
Bid Awards
FY 25 Tree Removal Bid Award
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
Town Administrator Report & Update on Working Groups
Selectboard Report
Executive Session
To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government’s bargaining position and the Chair so declares. Pursuant to the provisions of; of G.L. c. 30A, §21, ¶3. (Town Administrator Contract Renewal)
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.
Resignations
RC moved to accept the resignation of Winton Pitcoff as a Poll Worker. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Appointments
RC moved to appoint Ed Katebi to the Environmental Action Committee. Term to:6/30/2026. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
RC moved to appoint Winton Pitcoff to the Board of Registrars. Term to 3/31/2025. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Approval of Minutes
RC moved to amend the minute of 1/9/2025. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
RC moved to approve the minutes of 2/5/2025 as amended. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant # 16
RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for Warrant #16 as follows:
Payroll: $174,639.84
Accounts Payable: $272,057.76
Light Department: $113,834.12
Total: $560,531.72
KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Public Comment
None
New Business
RC moved to approve opting out of early voting in person for 2025 Local Election. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Discussion 2025 Princeton Day Costs
RC stated that last year’s cost for the event was $5,251. RC suggested limiting personnel. PG stated schedules can be adjusted to avoid overtime costs. KC noted that the event provides a lot of goodwill. RC will reach out to Officer Doyle to discuss.
Parks & Recreation Director Vacancy
The board discussed the Parks & Recreation Director vacancy due to the resignation of Nick Abruzzi from the position effective 2/7. KC stated that she is reluctant to fill the position until she sees the business plan. KC noted that past directors have only focused on planning events and not budget. KC suggested revising the job description to more accurately reflect what can be done in 15 hours. PG suggested looking at Krashes as an asset to generate revenue. Parks & Rec chair Deb Faucher stated that this could be possible. However, handicapped accessibility and heat in the field house are an issue. The board will work on revising the job description. No further action was taken on this matter.
Sr Center/Community Center Use Fees
SP noted that COA Director Judith Webster advised that there is no formal Use Fee in place. They have been charging Princeton Arts Society $600 for the Spring Show. Funds go to the General Fund and do not benefit Council on Aging. Someone advised that the current annual lease costs for space are $34k. PG stated at the rate the per day fee should be about $130 based on what the Town pays for rent divided by the number of weekdays available..
PG moved to set the fee for use of Sr. Center/Community Center at $150 per day (to include utilities) for multi day events starting from event set up until the end of clean-up and $75 per day for single day use. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Subordination Agreement
RC moved to Authorize the Selectboard Chair to Sign the Subordination and Non-Disturbance Agreement for 206 Worcester Road, Post Office Place. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Correspondence and Communications
SP noted email and a phone regarding mailboxes that were knocked down during recent snow and ice removal operations. The board will review the EAC’s proposed Snow & Ice Policy at their next meeting.
Old Business
Update & Discussion FY 26 Preliminary Budget Presentation.
RC commented that he thought that last week’s presentation went well. The board will discuss the FY 26 budget further on 2/26/2025.
Bid Awards
RC moved to award the bid for FY 25 Tree Removal Project to Northeastern Tree Services. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
SP advised that the Community Heart & Soul Kick-off meeting has been scheduled for March 6th at 6:30 PM at the Thomas Prince School.
Town Administrator Report & Update on Working Groups
None
Selectboard Report
KC advised that the Public Safety Building committee will be meeting tonight to go over mechanical systems with Caolo & Bieneik. KC would like to review the draft Selectboard Annual Report prior to submission. RC to draft report.
Executive Session
RC moved to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government’s bargaining position and the Chair so declares. Pursuant to the provisions of; of G.L. c. 30A, §21, ¶3 (Police Union). Not to return to open session. The following roll call vote was recorded. KC: aye; PG aye, RC aye.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:07 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator