Selectboard Meeting: January 8, 2025

Attending: Robert Cumming (RC), Karen Cruise (KC), Phil Gott (PG), Sherry Patch (SP)

Call to Order

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

Jacob Roy, Wachusett Trail Collective, Boylston Park Bike Park Proposal Presentation

Jacob Roy, representing the Wachusett Trail Collective, met with the board to present the Boylston Park Bike Park Proposal. The group is seeking permission to apply for a Mass Trails Grant that is due on February 1st. The group is seeking a $100k reimbursement grant and will provide the 20% match through volunteer hours and financing through private funds or a loan. Jacob advised that the goal is to provide Princeton with another recreation option and space to enjoy nature. The Wachusett Trail Collective is a volunteer, non-profit organization that will be responsible for maintenance of the trails and fund raising. The project consists of a three-phased approach. Phase one consists of a pump track for toddlers and skills area. Funding for this phase will be through private and corporate donations. Phase two will be for a Master Plan to guide this project and future projects, not just mountain biking. Some adaptive trails will be included for those in need. This phase of the project would be funded by the Mass Trails grant if awarded. Phase three of the project will include parking for 8 cars (compacted dirt). The Wachusett Trail Collective will carry liability insurance for phase one project construction with town’s insurance providing coverage after that. KC asked if other locations were looked at or if incorporating the project with the Thomas Prince School Project was looked at. Jacob stated that the terrain at Thomas Prince is tough. PG asked if Wachusett Mountain was approached. KC asked how many kids per day would use the trails. Jacob stated perhaps 6-10 per day. Jacob estimated that 200 people would benefit in town. RC asked how many acres the project would entail. Jacob stated 20 acres. KC asked if hunting on the property would still be allowed. Parks & Recreation Committee member Ed Harley advised the board that the Parks & Recreation Committee has been working with Jacob and that a presentation was held at a Parks & Rec meeting in December. At that time members expressed concern regarding insurance, police and fire access. The committee approved the project subject to approval by the Police, Fire and Selectboard’s approval of the project. Ed stated that full approval of the project would be considered in April subject to the conditions discussed. The Parks & Recreation Committee feels that the proposed project makes good use of the property. SP noted that members of the Open Space Committee are resubmitting the Mass Trails grant for Thomas Prince School Trails Accessibility project. SP and the group recently met with Mass Trails Grant coordinator and Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission to discuss the project. The group was encouraged to reapply for the project as last year there were not enough funds to go around. The group has received positive feedback on their project. Jacob stated that the town can apply for multiple projects. SP also expressed concern regarding the handling of public funds and reporting for the grant reimbursement by a private non-profit group. Residents for Calamint Hill Road North attending the meeting expressed concern regarding illegal dumping and littering, which has been an ongoing problem in the park area, other concerns included safety of children in such an isolated area, water run-off, environmental concerns, wildlife crossing and lack of communication with residents who will be impacted by the project. PG asked if the landfill on Hubbardston Road was considered for the project. Jacob stated yes but that there would be some location challenges including easement access. The board acknowledged receipt of email correspondence from several residents opposed to the project. Elizabeth Bottomley, 30 Hickory Drive, thanked Jacob for his time. Elizabeth stated that she and many residents support the project. RC would like to schedule a site visit. No action was taken on this matter. The board will discuss the project at January 22nd meeting.

Ed Cichon, 28 Radford Road

Ed Cichon met with the board to follow up on his request for reimbursement of a second POET vessel at his home at 28 Radford Road. Ed stated that he doesn’t see any justification for delaying the reimbursement. PG agreed. KC advised that we are not delaying reimbursement we are coming up with a plan to reimburse all residents who installed a second vessel at their own expense. SP advised that funding is available for the reimbursement. KC moved to authorize SP to accelerate reimbursement. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Resignation

RC moved to accept the resignation of Philip O’Brien from the Board of Registrars. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Approval of Minutes

RC moved to approve the minutes 12/4/2024 as amended. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the minutes of 12/18/2024 as amended. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the minutes of 12/30/2024. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant # 12 & 13

RC moved to approve the Treasury report for Warrant # 12 as follows:

Payroll: $148,942.42

Accounts Payable: 1,741,619.59

Light Department: 106,058.53

Total: $1,996,620.54

PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the Treasury report for Warrant # 13 as follows:

Payroll: $142,645.26

Accounts Payable: $113,853,20

Light Department $146,410.03

Total: $402,908.49

PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Public Comment

Residents may address the Selectboard on matters of interest to the public for up to three (3) minutes.

All public comment was about the bike park and was taken during that part of the meeting.

New Business

Review & Update Selectboard Projects Page

RC noted one correct spelling needed for Senator Durant. PG moved to accept projects page update as amended. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Discussion Regarding Forming a Princeton Day Committee

SP advised that Officer Holly Doyle is interested in forming a Princeton Day Committee to assist with planning and implementing this year’s Princeton Day Event. A working group that meets periodically to discuss the various aspects of the event and assist in planning and organizing the event, including setting up and cleaning up would be helpful. SP will contact Town Counsel regarding Committee vs. Working Group rules.

RC moved to approve the Sale of Cemetery Cremation Lot 49B North Cemetery to Jason Tomforde, 4 Country Club Road, Sterling. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Correspondence and Communications

Randi Jacobs, WRSD- Annual Town Meeting Date. No action was taken on this matter.

Letter- Residents-Calamint Hill Road North-Proposed Bike Park

Ron & Gail Ashey-Re. Proposed Bike Park

Note: Letter and emails from residents are incorporated in these minutes

Old Business

FY 26 Budget & Capital Update

Peter Giumette will poll the Advisory Committee members on a date for the WRSD Budget presentation.

Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants

SP requested permission to submit a Shared Streets and Spaces grant application. The project, if funded, will extend the sidewalk on Worcester Road south from Post Office Place to Hickory Drive (approximately (900 ft). The project will include three sidewalks. One at entrance to Post Office Place, One on Stagecoach and one on Worcester to Hickory Drive, and may include some drainage work as well

RC moved to authorize the Town Administrator to submit a grant application for up to $250,000 to Shared Streets and Space Grant Program to extend the sidewalk on Worcester Road south from Post Office Place to Hickory Drive (approximately (900 ft). KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

SP advised that she is working with CMRPC and representatives from the Open Space Committee on a Mass Trails Grant (resubmit) for Thomas Prince Accessible Trail project.

Town Administrator Report & Update on Working Groups

SP advised that Traffic Calming Working Group met with CMRPC transportation representatives yesterday to review data and discuss the traffic study that was conducted on Leominster Rd., Main St., Hobbs Rd., Ball Hill , Worcester Rd. and Hubbardston Rd. Town conducted data collection in one direction on Radford and Allen Hill Roads. A Written report is anticipated in two weeks.

SP advised that Waste and Recycling Working Group will be at Town Buzz next Tuesday at 10AM with Irene Congdon and Claire Golding to discuss proposed preferred hauler program for Princeton, Rutland and Hubbardston.

Selectboard Report

RC stated that the Tax Title Policy needs to be updated. Treasurer Melisssa Hawthorne is working on it. RC would also like the board to consider fixing up the Annex. RC stated that the building is used quite a bit for meetings and that it will be a few years before the new Public Safety Building is built. KC stated that there are two rooms at the Thomas Prince School that can be used for meetings. RC asked about afternoon meetings when classes are still in session. KC stated that the rooms are in the back of the building and have their own entrance and parking area. SP will reach out to Principal Ace Thompson to discuss use of the classrooms.

Adjournment

RC moved to adjourn. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator

Letters and emails incorporated in these minutes as follows:

 

Abutters: Calamint Hill Road North

Ron & Gail Ashey, 94 Calamint Hill Road North

Email: Kennera King, 14 Calamint Hill Road North

Email: Stephen Kessler

Email: Dave Nass, 8 N. County Road

Email: Cindy Morgan, 3 Leominster Road