Selectboard Meeting: March 19, 2025

Attending:

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

Note: KC attended remotely. PG left meeting at 4:16 PM.

Call to Order

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

Housing Proposal Old Mill Road Section XIV of the Zoning Bylaws Open Space Residential Development

Planning Board Chair, John Mirick and Roger Brooks met with the board to discuss Roger Brooks proposal for a housing development project on Old Mill Road. John advised that the Planning Board has been meeting informally with Roger Brooks about approaches to development of the approximately 40-acre parcel located on Ball Hill Road at the intersection with Old Mill Road. The Selectboard previously voted to discontinue maintenance of Old Mill Road, although it is still a public way for purposes of zoning. The current discussion involves developing the parcel under Section XIV of the Zoning By-Laws – Open Space Residential Development. This approach to land use has the goal of developing a parcel in a manner that is consistent with Princeton’s Master Plan, including maintaining 50% of a parcel as permanently-protected open space (although by-law provides that the Planning Board can approve a smaller percentage, but not less than 30%). The project requires a special permit and site plan review by the Planning Board. Mr. Brooks has met with the Planning Board to discuss the approach, and the Planning Board has walked the site with him. The conceptual plan is to preserve approximately half of the parcel, with hiking trails through the preserved half that could be used by Town residents as well as by the owners of the houses. The houses would be sited further from the street than the usual 50-foot setback to maintain the rural view from the road. The aspect of the proposal that involves the Selectboard is the portion of the property that fronts on Old Mill Road. The conceptual design calls for using Old Mill Road as part of the access to house lots. Mr. Brooks outlined his proposal for frontage on Ball Hill Road and unmaintained portion of Old Mill Road. Roger feels that this segment of Old Mill Road could fairly easily be brought up to Highway Department standards for a gravel public way, with a turnaround at the end of his property, in front of the Worcester gate. Roger stated he would like reassurance from the selectboard that the town would maintain the road and that he would accept as a condition of the special permit that he had to bring Old Mill Road up to Highway Department standards. Highway Superintendent Ben Metcalf stated that the road has not been maintained in a long time and that there are a lot of large rocks. He is also concerned about the width of the road. RC asked where the turnaround would be located. Roger stated a turnaround would be installed by the gate the City or Worcester installed. Three houses are proposed on the Cul de sac. Fire vehicles would be able to turn around there. The road would be wide enough for two vehicles. Roughly 32 feet are available. KC stated that the road is public, but the town has discontinued maintenance. KC stated that water and wetland standards are an issue. Ben stated that drainage would need to addressed. KC stated that gravel roads are a nightmare to maintain. Ben stated that he would like to see the road paved it and the project was to move forward as time and materials are expensive for gravel roads. KC suggested an alternate route off Ball Hill Road near Old Mill. Roger stated that it is feasible. KC stated that Old Mill Road would not be needed. KC stated that she is not eager to have the town take over maintenance on Old Mill Road. KC stated that the developer can bring it up to standards and not maintain it. Roger stated that they could make it safe for emergency vehicles and have HOA fees maintain it. No action was taken on this matter.

Appointments

RC moved to appoint Beth Hunter to the Board of Registrars. Term: 4/1/2025 to 3/31/28. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Mary Jo Wotjusik to the position of Election Officer. Term to 7/31/2025. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Karen Cruise to the Public Safety Building Committee. Term to: 6/30/2028. PG 2nd. Voted 2-0-1 KC abstained.

Approval of Minutes

RC moved to approve the minutes of 3/5/2025 as amended. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant # 18

RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for Warrant #18 as follows:

Payroll; 143,976.95

Accounts Payable: 1,519,501.96

Light Department 143,379.24

Total: 1,806,858.14

PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Public Comment

Ed Cichon, Radford Road asked for clarification on the meals tax. Ed asked if the intent to limit to those businesses that provide everyday a, but also others that provide on an intermittent basis. RC stated that it would apply to all.

New Business

Treasurer Melissa Hawthorne advised that the short-term BANS for the PFAS and Clock Tower project are being permanently bonded for 7 years, which will result in savings in interest costs. The delay in permanent financing was due to the uncertainty of additional expenses for PFAS. PG read “VOTE OF THE SELECTBOARD”

RC moved to approve the of Sale of Lot at North Cemetery to Richard Rauh, 51 Westminster Road. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the School Funding Letter as drafted by PG. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

SP advised the board of the FY 25 Snow & Ice Deficit as follows:

Part-time /Seasonal Temp Wages 20,545.35

Equip Repair & Maintain 6,340.33

Contract Plowing 16,867.00

Total 43,752.68

SP advised that the deficit spending in the Snow & Ice account is allowed. The deficit will be covered through inter/intra department transfers at the end of the year, the Reserve Fund or a combination if needed or through Town Meeting action or raised in the recap.

RC moved to declare a Snow & Ice emergency. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Request for Certification of Overlay Surplus Funds

SP recommended that the board take no action until after April 1st in case there are any more abatements. No action was taken on this matter.

Schedule Board/Committee Chair Breakfast

The board agreed to hold the next Selectboard, Board and Committee Chair breakfast on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 8AM in the Town Hall Annex.

Schedule Department Head Meeting

The board agreed to hold the next meeting with Department Heads on May 7th at 1PM.

Discussion Dedication of Annual Town Report

RC moved to created a dedication page on the Annual Report and an In Memory Section. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Discuss Adding Meal Tax Article to Annual Town Meeting Warrant

RC stated that he is in favor of trying again to pass the meals tax. PG noted that 20 businesses attended the Princeton Small Business Association Meeting. Those attending were in favor of contributing and one that was opposed last year is now in favor. The board agreed to include a meals excise tax article on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. RC suggested a Community information session prior to the meeting and publishing FAQ’s regarding the meals excise tax.

PG left meeting at 4:16 PM.

Parks & Rec Town Wide Yard Sale

Move to grant permission for the Parks & Recreation Committee to hold a Town Wide Yard Sale on May 17th. KC 2nd. Voted 2-0.

Correspondence and Communications

RC received an email request for a citation for an Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

Old Business

RC moved to approve the request for banner and sign placement on the lower Common, Krashes Field and Thomas Prince School for Earth Month and to hold a Celebration Event on the Common on May 16th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. KC 2nd. Voted 2-0.

Schedule Date for Final FY 26 Budget Presentation

The board agreed to hold the FY 26 Wednesday, April 9th at 6:30 PM.

Town Administrator Report & Update on Working Groups

SP advised that CMRPC has advised that we will have the Traffic Study Report on 3/28.

SP advised that the House passed a bill Monday to allow public bodies to hold remote or hybrid meetings through June 2027. The Senate is expected to vote on Thursday.

Selectboard Report

KC advised that the Public Safety Building will be meeting biweekly with the project Architect. The committee will be reviewing sample RFQ’s for an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) for the project. RC submitted 2024 Selectboard Annual Report. Discussed Selectboard and Advisory Committee budget report. Bob will prepare a draft for the selectboard to review at the next meeting

Adjournment

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

Meeting adjourned at 4:26 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator