Selectboard Meeting: July 9, 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.

Cemetery Commission Chair Lynne Grettum met with the board to discuss the commission’s Long Range Plan for the cemeteries.

Lynne advised that perpetual care for full burials is $100 and $75 for cremations.  The current balance in the Perpetual care account is $6,000.  However, they are only allowed to spend the interest.  Five of the town’s cemeteries are closed and are not accepting burials.  Lynne stated that 44% of residents living in Princeton are buried here.  Many will go back to where they came from for burial.  Lynne noted that MGL requires the town to provide a municipal cemetery.  Lynne further advised that no one town is covering its costs, and all rely on local support for maintenance. PG stated that the commission did a great job looking out 10 years.  PG asked how long the current cemeteries will last.  Lynne advised that it is hard to answer as things are changing quite a bit.  PG asked if Law requires that towns have their own cemetery or if they can share with another town. Lynne advised that the law doesn’t specify. RC asked is the Commission is looking into fixing up the shed.  Lynne stated that they would like to fix it up it used for storage.  Current balance in Lot Sales $60K.  Revolving $20K.  The board thanked the commission for their work on the plan.

Approval of Minutes

RC moved to approve the minutes of 6/23/2025.  KC 2^nd. Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the minutes of 6/25/2025.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant # 26 & & FY 26 #00

RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for FY 25 Warrant #26 as follows:

Payroll:                                   $144,985.35

Accounts Payable:               $168,011.29

Light Department:                $117,923.83

Total:                                      $430,920.47

KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for FY 26 Warrant #00 as follows:

Accounts Payable:               $2,389,625.17

KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Public Comment

Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf commented on the improvements on Westminster Road.  Ben noted that he doesn’t like the island and feels that it could be dangerous.  However, once the landscaping is done it should help.

FY 26 Appointments

RC move to appoint Greg Miranda to the Cemetery Commission.  Term to 6/30/2028.  KC 2^nd Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Lynne Grettum  Alternate Member Council on Aging. Term to 6/30/2026.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

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

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

RC moved to appoint Ryan O’Meara, Alternate Member Planning Board.  Term to 6/30/2026.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Andrea Surabian Alternate Member Parks & Recreation Commission.  Term to 6/30/2026.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Annie Charrette to the Open Space Committee.  Term to 6/30/2028.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Joseph Forkey Alternate Member Zoning Board of Appeals. Term to 6/30/2026.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Regarding the re-appointment  of Joshua Tanenbaum to the Advisory Committee. The board took no action.  RC would like to talk to Josh prior to making the appointment regarding some concerns that were brought to his attention.

New Business

RC moved to approve the One Day Liquor License Request Troy Milliken, d/b/a Seven Saws Brewing for 7/19/2025 Thirsty Lab Block Party, 206 Worcester Road, from 12PM to 6PM.  PG 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the One Day Liquor License Request for Troy Milliken, d/b/a Seven Saws Brewing on 7/25/2025 at  Monti’s Farm & Deli, 194 Worcester Road from 3PM to 7PM. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Westminster Road Proposal for Landscaping and Sign Request

Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf and Rud Mason met with the board to discuss a proposal for maintenance of the island that is being installed on Westminster Road. Rud Mason owner of Princeton Scapes has offered to install plantings and provide maintenance.  Harrington Farms will pay for the labor costs associated with the plantings and maintenance but would like to install a sign in exchange.  Rud stated that the sign would be tasteful and small and subject to selectboard approval. KC expressed concern that the sign bylaw does not cover and that the selectboard does not have a policy in place for signs.  PG stated the bylaw covers sign and that he thinks it’s a terrific idea.  Two town organizations are stepping up perhaps others will follow. KC asked who will water the plants.  Rud stated that they will choose plants that are indigenous and plant annuals in the spring.  Perennials can handle the salt and drought. Discussed size of sign.  Considerations for site lines and height and passenger cars.  RC asked about the timeline.  Rud stated it would only take a day to install.  RC stated that he is comfortable with approving as long as Harrington Farm understands that the sign will be removed if it is not maintained.  RC moved to approve the design and installation of landscaping pending selectboard approval of the sign design.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Correspondence and Communications

Email Update received from Building Inspector Fred Lonardo regarding 11 Sharon Drive and 171 Worcester Road.

The board agreed to take any measures necessary to ensure compliance with the town’s bylaws.  SP will contact Town Counsel to discuss next steps.

Email Melissa Wagg Request for permission for sign placement for Block Party at Thirsty Lab

RC moved to grant permission for placement of temporary signs on the Town Common, Thomas Prince School, E. Princeton Roundabout.  KC 2^nd .  Voted 3-0.

Letter Aaron Langlois, Advocates for Conservation of Oakham’s Rural Nature & Safety (ACORNS)Re: 180-megawatt lithium battery Energy Storage System

No action was taken.

Email Bill Delaney AWQS additional Costs for POET Install

The board discussed an email received from Bill Delaney from Advanced Water Quality Systems regarding additional costs for a POET installation at Boylston Avenue.

KC moved to authorize the town to pay up to $1000 for additional costs related to POET installation in the affected area not retroactive to previous installations.  RC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

The board acknowledged receipt of an email from Ed Cichon regarding reappointment of Joshua Tanenbaum to the Advisory Committee.

RC will contact Josh to discuss his concerns.

KC Advised that Marry Marro notified Wachusett Mountain Advisory Council reps about her appointment as the Princeton Representative.  They are looking into the rules for council membership.

Tim Hammond also emailed that he was unhappy to learn that he wasn’t reappointed to the Wachusett Mountain Advisory Council.  KC advised that he did not reapply.  Positions are posted annually on the website.  There is some outreach to chairs regarding terms that are expiring.

PG advised that he received a call from Sherry Horenapolus regarding the board’s rationale for not approving the PARC Grant.  PG advised Sherry that it was due to a lack of an overall plan for the Town parks and recreational activities and a lack of a plan and funding for maintenance.

Bid Awards

RC moved to award the FY 26 Diesel Fuel & Unleaded Gas contracts to Dennis K Burke.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to award the contract for the Public Safety Building Project Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) to Vertex and to authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate the fee subject to approval by the selectboard.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to award the bid for Environmental Testing and Reporting for PCB’s at Thomas Prince School to Atlas Technical Consultants.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Town Administrator Report & Update on Working Groups

SP advised that there is a meeting on Tuesday with the haulers interested in submitting proposals for the regional trash program with Rutland and Hubbardston at the Rutland Library.

Selectboard Report

RC reported that he attended his first Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) meeting.

KC reported that the Public Safety Building Committee received 5 responses to the RFQ for Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) services.  Four firms were interviewed and scored.  The Committee is recommending Vertex.  KC advised that the services will be done in two phases.  The second phase will be construction once the Final Design and Construction bid documents have been finalized and funding for construction is approved.  RC moved to award the contract for OPM Services to Vertex and to authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate the fee subject to final approval by the selectboard.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0. KC is working on the transition to the new website from Civic Plus to Proud City.  KC would like to move away from Next Door to a Facebook page for town communications.

PG reported on Mechanics Hall options.  PG advised that there is some confusion regarding the Townline Garage status.  PG advised the Kwik Stop has 30 year lease with an option to purchase in 2032 and again in five year increments.  PG is thinking about different path for Mechanics Hall and will be consulting with an architect to see if commercial options are possible.  PG has only looked at Historical Grants and advised that they are only available to towns and non-profits.

RC asked PG if the Sterling electrical power connection was still on the table.  PG advised that it is but that other options are being explored as well..

The board agreed not to meet on 7/23.  The next meeting will be on 8/6.

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

Metting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator