Selectboard Meeting: May 28, 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.

Reorganize/Election of Officers

• The board discussed rotating the chair position
• PG moved to nominate RC to serve as chair until 10/30/2025 KC to serve as chair from 10.31/2025 until the 2026 election. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
• RC moved to nominate KC Vice Chair until 10/30/2025. RC to serve as Vice Chair from 10/31/2025 until the 2026 election.PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.
• RC moved to nominate Philip Gott as clerk. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0

Approval of Minutes

RC moved approve the minutes of 5/14/2025 as amended. KC 2nd. Voted-2-0-1 abstain (PG).

Approval of Treasury Report -Warrant # 23

RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for Warrant #23 as follows:

• Payroll: $149,826.92
• Accounts Payable: $171,662.43
• Light Department: $135,678.39
• Total: $457,167.74

KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Public Comment

None.

New Business

Discussion regarding Website Vendors Design and Migration Options and Vote Vendor Selection

KC advised that she has been working with Alissa (Town Clerk) on looking at website vendors for design and migration of the Town website. KC is recommending Proud City. KC stated that their cost is a little bit more, but they provide the flexibility that is needed, and it is a better product. The initial cost for design and migration is $6900 and $2400 annually. KC moved to award the contract to Proud City and to authorize SP to execute the contract documents. PG 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Review and Discussion Long Range Plan Submission Council on Aging and Cemetery
Com.

KC stated that she did not find the Sr. Center plan useful as it did not explain why. Or who is being served and not served. PG noted that the plan stopped short of a complete plan as it did not include costs or revenues SP noted that the Cemetery Plan is not complete and they will be submitting additional information soon. A draft copy has been sent to the board for comments and feedback.

The board will schedule a meeting to meet with COA (6/11) and Cemetery Commission (6/25) to discuss their Long Range Plans.

One Day Liquor License Request Seven Saws Brewing Vote to Approve

KC noted that Chief Patriarca has some concerns and recommended a detail officer for the events. RC suggested approval for the 5/30 and 6/6 event to see how it goes. RC moved to approve Once Day Liquor License for Seven Saws Brewing with the following restrictions: 35 attendees max in the designated area only on Friday, May 30th, Friday, June 6th. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0. The board will consider issuing licenses for Friday, June 13th, Friday, June 20th, and Friday, June 27th at their meeting on June 11th.

Discuss Mechanics Hall Committee Report

The board considered options for Mechanics Hall including, auction with a preservation
restriction, demolition, 2-one bedroom apartments, and moving it to Sawyer Field.

Request for Sign Placement on Town Property for the Annual Vanessa Marcotte Walk/Run
on June 14th

RC moved to approve the placement of 3 lawn signs on the Lower Common locations for the Vanessa Marcotte Walk Run on June 14, 2025. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

The board did not approve the placement of a banner on the fence at Krashes Field. However, placement of a sign a Krashes Field was approved as an option.

Vote to Amend Lease Finance Resolution-Police Cruiser

SP advised that the price increased ($40) since the original estimate was quoted.
RC read amended Resolution
RC moved to approve the amended resolution. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Vote to Approve MDI Grant Letter of Support for a Technical Assistance Grant for
Wayfinding and Branding.

RC moved to approve the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Support Letter and to authorize Philip Gott to sign on behalf of the board. KC 2nd. Voted 3-0.

Correspondence and Communications

PG noted that Janet Connors suggested that the board alternate meeting times for better
attendance. PG stated that he is open to revisiting meeting times. RC suggested a 4:30 pm start time. KC suggested posting the meeting links on the town website so that people can listen to the meetings if they are unable to attend. KC noted that information sessions on items of interest are held in the evening and attendance is still low. KC moved to post selectboard meeting links on the town website. RC 2nd. Voted. 3-0.

Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants

Applications for funding for Wayfinding & Branding Technical Assistance and the construction of the Ball Hill Road Culvert will be submitted this week.

Town Administrator Report & Update on Working Groups

SP advised that she and Ben are looking at costs for an engineering study to create Safety Zones on Mountain Road and Leominster Road.

Executive Session

To discuss strategy with respect to litigation (Ervin vs. Town of Princeton) pursuant to the
provisions of G.L. c. 30A, §21(a), ¶3.

RC moved to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation (Ervin vs. Town of Princeton) if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government’s litigation position. The chair declared. RC announced that the board will not reconvene in open session. The following roll call vote was recorded: KC: aye; PG: aye; RC: aye. Voted 3-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator