As I am on the finance committee, several people have asked me about the budget that will be brought to us at town meeting this Saturday. I offer them to you here, as democracy works best when we all have a better understanding of what is before us. What follows are my thoughts only, from my involvement on the finance committee, but not from the committee in any official way. If you aren't going or interested, just ignore this email. Feel free to pass it along to others if you find it useful.
This has been a challenging budget year. The budget process has filled every week for the last couple of months, some weeks we have met twice, at times until 11pm. The budget process included meeting with all the town departments to understand their requests and discuss together where we might make reductions. All departments were asked to present options with 5% and 10% reductions. It has been a good collaboration between the finance committee and the Select Board (SB) - we do not all agree on all line items, but we have had respectful and helpful discussions, and mostly do agree. It has been a challenging budget to pull together, on top of the substantial mid year cuts and transfers we already made.
Town budgets are complex and involve many elements. We have to consider our potential expenses in terms of what we want, need, and are mandated to provide – and what we can afford. Funding for those expenses comes from available funds (free cash, stabilization, and several other smaller funds) and from revenues (state aid, local taxes, fees, and calculations for growth and overlay). This year we anticipate about a 4% reduction in state aid, less growth than usual (ie. new houses which increase the tax base), a lower amount in overlay, and have much less free cash and stabilization to draw from than usual. We also have some significant increases in expenses – especially in vocational education.
Our vocational education expenses increased by $70,600 to $370,600 this year and we expect it to go up to $430,000 next year. We paid for over 1/3 of the increase this year from the unused police chief salary line which is not available going forward. Note that only $93,413 will get reimbursed to us as CH 70 state aid. This gives you some idea of how much the burden of all education expenses is weighted on the town.
In terms of available funds: We have much less than usual. In several prior years we have had about $250,000 in Free Cash to use to balance our budget. This year we started with only $111,000 and used about $61,000 for the budget, leaving us with only about $50,000 for emergencies (which is scary). In addition, we still have to find about $32K this year to pay the balance for the Dec 2008 ice storm - we hope to find as much as we can in unspent balances at year end in June (maybe $25K???) but will have to take the rest from free cash, reducing it even further. And with all the tightening we have done this year and in next year's proposed budgets, free cash will again be pretty limited next year. It is a kind of reverse snowball effect, getting smaller and smaller. Stabilization is low too. The past several years have been balanced on these accounts, depleting them already farther than it is prudent to do.
The expenses must fit within the projected funding. And that bottom line was a hard task master this year as we faced decreases in funding sources along with increases in expenses that are beyond our control. This necessitated significant reductions in the parts of the expense budget that we can control – including 10% or more reductions for most departments, and some staffing cuts – that we did not want to make, but are necessary.
We worked VERY hard trying to arrive at a budget that would NOT require any cuts to employees. We took $100 here, $3,000 there, tightening nearly every line. We cut uniforms from the highway, paper and supplies from offices and more. All the people who get stipends for their services volunteered to go without. Towards the end, we still fell about $50,000 or so short of what we will have funding for.
We then explored any further options we could think of that might still help to avoid laying anyone off, and started with reducing the % of health insurance the town pays from 75% to 65% - a reduction for all town employees. Still that did not save enough to bridge the gap. We explored reducing hours for all staff, but some positions are already at or below the minimum to get the job done (or in some cases to meet state requirements). In fact, we discussed adding hours in a few cases where the reductions made previously are not working out (like assessors and the sewer assistant - the latter pays for itself with sewer fees).
The only place left to cut was personnel. We have only 2 departments that have more than one employee - Police and Highway. We researched data on employees for these 2 departments in surrounding towns. We found that we have been spending significantly more and have more personnel than comparable towns in our area - about equivalent to one person in each of these departments. We cut one position from each department. Cutting just one position was not enough, as one of the crappy realities is that when you cut staff, you usually have to cut more in order to compensate for the increased cost in unemployment. I suspect that the 7 of us (5 Fin Com and 2 SB) represent a spectrum of perspectives about the police issues of the past year, yet we all agreed at the end that this was what we need to do.
Do we still need the new highway truck if we are cutting employees in the highway department?
Yes, it is still a good time to buy the truck because it will make the work easier for those who remain, the interest rates are really good now, and all the trucks are getting old and it is better to spread out the purchases. If we wait, we could end up having to pay for more than one all at once.
I hope this is helpful. See you at Town Meeting: This Saturday, May 1 at Sanderson Academy. And remember to vote too.
Mary Link
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thoughts on Police and Highway Dept. Cuts
The Highway Department and the Police Department are the only departments that have more than one or one and one half employees. So when the Finance Committee and the Select Board looked to cut positions, they decided to cut one from each of these departments. You can't very well cut one position from the Tax Collection department if you only have one position. Or from the Town Clerk's office for that matter.
But you want to know what the real difference is between these two cuts? The one from the Highway Department is going to put a man out on the streets. Someone is actually going to lose his job. No one is going to be out on the street from the Police Department. There are openings for police officers that still need to be filled.
Do not take my interpretation of Warrant Article 11 or Warrant Article 15 for exactness, but please ask the Select Board and the Finance Committee these questions before you leap to conclusions.
Suzanne M Corbett
But you want to know what the real difference is between these two cuts? The one from the Highway Department is going to put a man out on the streets. Someone is actually going to lose his job. No one is going to be out on the street from the Police Department. There are openings for police officers that still need to be filled.
Do not take my interpretation of Warrant Article 11 or Warrant Article 15 for exactness, but please ask the Select Board and the Finance Committee these questions before you leap to conclusions.
Suzanne M Corbett
Town Meeting and Election Tomorrow!
So long as the people do not care to exercise their freedom, those who wish to tyrannize will do so; for tyrants are active and ardent, and will devote themselves in the name of any number of gods, religious and otherwise, to put shackles upon sleeping men.
Voltaire
Voltaire
Thursday, April 29, 2010
To the Editor of The Ashfield News
Sally,
Thank you for your timely Blog reply.
I must say, I find it rather confusing, and I hope that, once again, you’ll consider a lengthier and more formal and detailed response in the next issue.
As is readily apparent, some candidate’s statements were longer than the 250 word limit. On this blog, there were three candidates that posted replies to the original Ricki Carroll post mentioning such a limit, and their compliance.
Was the decision made at the editor’s level to ignore this limit for some? Did you consider notifying these three people (David King, Karen Sullivan, and Emily Robertson) that you might consider longer statements from them, given that you approved longer statements from others?
Thank you in advance for considering to offer a clarification of your earlier remarks.
I remain...
A devoted reader...
Paul Swem
Thank you for your timely Blog reply.
I must say, I find it rather confusing, and I hope that, once again, you’ll consider a lengthier and more formal and detailed response in the next issue.
As is readily apparent, some candidate’s statements were longer than the 250 word limit. On this blog, there were three candidates that posted replies to the original Ricki Carroll post mentioning such a limit, and their compliance.
Was the decision made at the editor’s level to ignore this limit for some? Did you consider notifying these three people (David King, Karen Sullivan, and Emily Robertson) that you might consider longer statements from them, given that you approved longer statements from others?
Thank you in advance for considering to offer a clarification of your earlier remarks.
I remain...
A devoted reader...
Paul Swem
Gearing Up for Town Meeting
The Select Board spent much of last evening preparing for possible controversies at this Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting. With the help of Moderator Buz Eisenberg and the Finance Committee, the board reviewed four articles in particular that could generate confusion or opposition.
Two of the articles involve numbers that have been changed since the warrant was published. Due to an accounting error, too much was budgeted under Article 9 for the town clerk’s salary. Also, the salary figures for the sewer system operator in Article 20 will be reduced.
On Article 11, Select Board Chair Ted Murray said he anticipated an amendment that will cut the chief’s salary in half in order to reinstate the sergeant’s salary. No one questioned the source of the amendment because a letter from Bill Perlman proposing it has been widely circulated through town. In previous weeks, as the budget was being hammered out, Murray has argued that an inadequate chief’s salary reduces the chances the town will find a qualified candidate. The Finance Committee also endorses zeroing out the sergeant’s salary.
Article 15, funding the highway department, could create confusion because this year’s budget for the first time separates straight time and overtime. This apparently reduces the winter roads line item significantly, but Murray explained that $57,000 of the straight-time labor line item was formerly included under the winter roads line item. This article also reduces labor costs, effectively eliminating one position on the road crew. The board agreed this is likely to provoke discussion.
Eisenberg reminded the board that any amendments to an article that increase the amount being appropriated could be disallowed because they fall outside the scope of the original article.
David King
Two of the articles involve numbers that have been changed since the warrant was published. Due to an accounting error, too much was budgeted under Article 9 for the town clerk’s salary. Also, the salary figures for the sewer system operator in Article 20 will be reduced.
On Article 11, Select Board Chair Ted Murray said he anticipated an amendment that will cut the chief’s salary in half in order to reinstate the sergeant’s salary. No one questioned the source of the amendment because a letter from Bill Perlman proposing it has been widely circulated through town. In previous weeks, as the budget was being hammered out, Murray has argued that an inadequate chief’s salary reduces the chances the town will find a qualified candidate. The Finance Committee also endorses zeroing out the sergeant’s salary.
Article 15, funding the highway department, could create confusion because this year’s budget for the first time separates straight time and overtime. This apparently reduces the winter roads line item significantly, but Murray explained that $57,000 of the straight-time labor line item was formerly included under the winter roads line item. This article also reduces labor costs, effectively eliminating one position on the road crew. The board agreed this is likely to provoke discussion.
Eisenberg reminded the board that any amendments to an article that increase the amount being appropriated could be disallowed because they fall outside the scope of the original article.
David King
Town Meeting and Election in Two Days
While democracy in the long run is the most stable form of government, in the short run, it is among the most fragile.
Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Letter from The Ashfield News Editor
To Whom It May Concern,
We at the News published the candidates' statements exactly as we
received them following a request for 250 words or less.
S. Straus, editor
The Ashfield News
We at the News published the candidates' statements exactly as we
received them following a request for 250 words or less.
S. Straus, editor
The Ashfield News
Tonight's Select Board Agenda
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
April 28, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 21 – open session
Minutes from Apr 21 – executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Appointment of Wayne Gardner to Town Hall Building Committee
b. Curt Pichette - to discuss how to pay for the shortfall in the Veteran's Graves account this year.
c. Buz Eisenberg, Moderator, to review Warrant for Annual Town Meeting with Select Board and Finance Committee
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Categories for sorting emails for public record purposes
5. MAIL
a. Letter from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
b. Open House invitation from Loving Care Agency
6. NEW BUSINESS
a.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 29 @ 7 PM at Town Hall: “High-Speed Internet for Ashfield” informational meeting
April 30 @ 12 noon at Town Hall: deadline for applications for absentee ballots
May 1 – Town Wide Elections from 10 AM-6 PM at Sanderson Academy
May 1 @ 10 AM – Annual Town Meeting at 10 AM at Sanderson Academy
May 5 @ 7 PM – Select Board Meeting
May 10 @ 7 PM – Select Board Meeting
9. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
April 28, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 21 – open session
Minutes from Apr 21 – executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Appointment of Wayne Gardner to Town Hall Building Committee
b. Curt Pichette - to discuss how to pay for the shortfall in the Veteran's Graves account this year.
c. Buz Eisenberg, Moderator, to review Warrant for Annual Town Meeting with Select Board and Finance Committee
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Categories for sorting emails for public record purposes
5. MAIL
a. Letter from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
b. Open House invitation from Loving Care Agency
6. NEW BUSINESS
a.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 29 @ 7 PM at Town Hall: “High-Speed Internet for Ashfield” informational meeting
April 30 @ 12 noon at Town Hall: deadline for applications for absentee ballots
May 1 – Town Wide Elections from 10 AM-6 PM at Sanderson Academy
May 1 @ 10 AM – Annual Town Meeting at 10 AM at Sanderson Academy
May 5 @ 7 PM – Select Board Meeting
May 10 @ 7 PM – Select Board Meeting
9. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Town Meeting and Election in Three Days
Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
From Yet Another Concerned Citizen
In reference to the recent post by Ricki Carroll – Bravo to you for speaking up and speaking out.
I’m not entirely up to snuff on the back story of the Ashfield News candidate comments, but a casual read does seem to indicate a disparity in statement lengths.
So what’s up with that! Can it be that “freedom of the press” is more free for some than for others? Is there a bit of an editorial bias showing here in our own home town?
I would hope that – regardless of the election’s outcome – the Editor would address these issues in the next edition. I look forward to those comments.
Paul Swem
I’m not entirely up to snuff on the back story of the Ashfield News candidate comments, but a casual read does seem to indicate a disparity in statement lengths.
So what’s up with that! Can it be that “freedom of the press” is more free for some than for others? Is there a bit of an editorial bias showing here in our own home town?
I would hope that – regardless of the election’s outcome – the Editor would address these issues in the next edition. I look forward to those comments.
Paul Swem
From a Concerned Citizen
I have heard the saying "different strokes for different folks" but I am still not sure why there continues to be different rules for different people in Ashfield. The Ashfield News seems to take a different view of this than I do. I was very disappointed to see in the Ashfield News on the Meet the Candidates page an inconsistency in this rule. I know that each candidate was given a word limit and yet I see quite a disproportionate amount written in the paper. I don't do this for the fun of it, but I did count the words because something to me looked wrong. Sally if you are reading this, I challenge you to start being fair to all and not just your chosen favorites. Thank you.
Ricki Carroll
Ricki Carroll
Town Meeting and Election in Four Days
I don't have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It's always the people who make things happen.
Corazon Aquino
Corazon Aquino
Monday, April 26, 2010
Town Meeting and Election in Five Days
If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.
Aristotle
Aristotle
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Spread the Word
The Town Report, which is being delivered by the Ashfield Fire Department today, does not contain a copy of the Annual Town Meeting warrant. So please let your friends and neighbors know that the meeting articles are posted here. An uninformed citizenry tends to produce a sluggish, disputatious, and nearly endless Town Meeting.
Ruth Julian
Ruth Julian
Countdown to Town Meeting and Election
Ashfield’s Annual Town Meeting and Election is only a week away. The meeting will convene at 10 a.m. next Saturday, May 1, at Sanderson Academy. The polls will open shortly after that and close at 6 p.m.
All of the Town Meeting articles are posted below. Do you have a question or comment you’d like to share? Just e-mail it to me at the address to the right and I’ll post it. Maybe other readers will answer your question or maybe your comment will provoke new questions.
Many statements from candidates are also below. If you have a question for a candidate, please ask it. All candidates are invited to respond to any question.
Statements from all candidates are welcome. So if you are a candidate and have not yet posted a statement, it’s not too late. Just send it along.
Ruth Julian
All of the Town Meeting articles are posted below. Do you have a question or comment you’d like to share? Just e-mail it to me at the address to the right and I’ll post it. Maybe other readers will answer your question or maybe your comment will provoke new questions.
Many statements from candidates are also below. If you have a question for a candidate, please ask it. All candidates are invited to respond to any question.
Statements from all candidates are welcome. So if you are a candidate and have not yet posted a statement, it’s not too late. Just send it along.
Ruth Julian
Friday, April 23, 2010
Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
ARTICLE 1: To choose a MODERATOR and a TREE WARDEN, both for one year terms. A SELECT BOARD MEMBER, A BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEMBER, TWO (2) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS, A SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER, A BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBER, TWO (2) CONSTABLES, A PARK COMMISSIONER, , and A SEWER COMMISSIONER all for three year terms; A PLANNING BOARD MEMBER and a LIBRARY TRUSTEE, both for five years; A SELECT BOARD MEMBER for an unexpired term (two (2) years); A BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEMBER for an expired term (two (2) years); A FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBER for an unexpired term (one (1) year); A SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER for an expired term (two (2) years).
To vote on the following question:
“Shall the Town of Ashfield be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so called, the amounts required to pay for the purchase of a truck and plow for the highway department?”
Polls to be closed at 6:00 PM.
ARTICLE 2: To act on the reports of the Town Officers.
ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote to set the salary compensation for all elected officials of the town (Select Board, Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Moderator, Tree Warden and Constable) as provided by MGL Chapter 41, Section 108, to be made effective from July 1, 2010, as contained in the budget, or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for VOCATIONAL SCHOOL EXPENSES AND EDUCATIONAL CAPITAL EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Capital 117,566
Vocational 430,000
ARTICLE 5: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds $1,818,364 to pay for REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town of Ashfield shall allow the Mohawk Trail Regional School District to establish stabilization funds in accordance with M.G.L. c. 71 section 16G½ for capital projects with regard to the Mohawk Trail Regional School District High School and Middle School or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 7: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for AMBULANCE SERVICE or act relative thereto:
Highland Assessment 20,241
Radio Assessment 1,200
ARTICLE 8: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds $3,000 to pay for the RESERVE ACCOUNT, or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for GENERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Appeals Board 150
Elected Assessor Chair 0
Elected Assessor Salaries (2) @ 1,250 0
Assessor’s Clerk 12,808
Assessor’s Expenses 25,900
Accounting Expenses 0
Auditor 9,500
Conservation Commission 900
Bonds 1,200
Insurance Buildings/Liability 33,000
Office Expenses 0
Office Supplies/Expenses 5,650
Postage 250
Computer/Internet 2,500
Planning Board 700
Elections 3,500
Registrars of Voters 400
Town Administrator 27,816
Street Lists 500
Municipal Town Clerk Salary 7,628
Municipal Town Clerk Asst. 10,868
Town Clerk Expenses 100
Town Report 500
Collector 16,754
Town Collector Expenses 9,182
Town Counsel 10,000
Town Hall Maintenance 7,000
Town Hall Utilities 14,000
Elected Select Board Chair 0
Elected Select Board Salaries (2) @ 1,250 0
Select Board Expenses 800
Elected Moderator 0
Treasurer Salary 12,509
Treasurer Expenses 1,500
Tax Title 13,000
TOTAL 228,615
ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available fund the following sums of money to pay for the following CAPITAL EXPENDITURES or act relative thereto:
Ambulance Capital 3,205
ARTICLE 11: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for PUBLIC SAFETY expenses or act relative thereto:
Animal Control Salary 1,729
Animal Control Expenses 550
Fire Chief’s Salary 2,594
Fire Chief’s Expenses 340
Fire Department Expenses 29,250
Fire Department Utilities 7,110
Fire Department Fuel 2,500
Emergency Management 1,000
Lake Dam Inspection 1,500
Police Chief Salary 48,375
Police Sergeant Salary 0
Police Department 39,135
Police Department Fuel 6,000
Drug/Alcohol Testing 300
Tree Warden 0
Tree Warden Expenses 4,000
TOTAL 144,383
ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for CULTURAL/RECREATIONAL EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Belding Memorial Library 29,700
Belding Memorial Park 10,855
Veterans Graves 720
TOTAL 41,275
ARTICLE 13: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for SANITATION SERVICES or act relative thereto:
Hilltown Resource Management 5,825
Transfer Station 68,100
Transfer Station Utilities 900
Inspector of Animals 350
TOTAL 75,175
ARTICLE 14: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for HEALTH SERVICES or act relative thereto.
FRCOG Health 7,412
Health Board Expenses 900
Elected Board of Health Salaries 3 @ 450 0
TOTAL 8,312
ARTICLE 15: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for HIGHWAY AND ROAD EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
General Highway 26,700
Labor 152,756
Machinery Maintenance 31,500
Highway Fuel 41,500
Highway Department Utilities 12,600
Uniforms 0
Highway Superintendent 51,374
Winter Roads 85,424
Street Lights 0
Lake Dam Maintenance 1,000
TOTAL 402,854
ARTICLE 16: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate an additional sum up to $145,000 to meet the Town’s share of the costs of purchasing a new truck for the highway department to serve the Town of Ashfield; that to meet such appropriation the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Select Board, be authorized to borrow up to the sum of $145,000; provided that the borrowing authorized hereunder shall be contingent on the passage of a debt exclusion under Proposition 2½.
ARTICLE 17: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for HUMAN SERVICES EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Council on Aging 22,162
Local Council 50
Veterans’ Council 3,705
Veterans’ Benefits Local 1,000
TOTAL 26,917
ARTICLE 18: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Health Insurance 66,800
Medicare/FICA 11,000
Retiree Benefit-Health 10,500
Retirement Sys. Contributions 70,392
Sick Leave (Departing Employee) 0
Vacation/Personal (Departing Employee) 0
Unemployment 35,300
Workers Compensation 12,000
TOTAL 205,992
ARTICLE 19: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for FRANKLIN REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Core Assessment 15,313
Accountant 17,423
Software 1,250
Procurement 2,200
Radio Maintenance 2,360
Inspector Program 39,999
TOTAL 78,545
ARTICLE 20: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $135,400 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund for sewer expenses and to meet that appropriation by raising $125,400 from sewer charges and transferring $10,000 from retained earnings of the Sewer Enterprise Fund for a total of $135,400 to pay for SEWER EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Salaries and Benefits 72,350
Fixed Operating Costs 2,000
Volume Based Costs 56,050
Emergency Fund 5,000
TOTAL 135,400
ARTICLE 21: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for DEBT EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Short Term Interest 7,500
Town Common Principal 15,000
Town Common Interest 3,300
Highway Debt 85,099
TOTAL 110,899
ARTICLE 22: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the following Revolving Fund Accounts pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, to account for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 or act relative thereto:
Revolving Fund Authorized to Spend Revenue Source Use of fund FY2011 Spending Limit
Dog License and Control Town Clerk Licenses, fines and donations Supplies, animal care, by law permitted expenses
$2,500
Park
Park Commission Program fees, donations Park Expenses
$1,500
Library
Library Board of Trustees Fees, rental Library expenses
$2,000
ARTICLE 23: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to appoint a select board member to serve as Emergency Management Director, and to supervise him in that position, while he continues to serve as a select board member, or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 24: To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following non-criminal disposition bylaw for the violation of Board of Heath private well regulations
Non-criminal disposition: Whoever violates any provision of the Board of Health’s “Private Well Regulations”, may be penalized by the non-criminal method of disposition as provided in MGL Chapter 40, Section 21D.
Each day on which any violation exists shall be deemed to be a separate offense. For the purpose of this provision, the penalty to apply in the event of a violation shall be as follows:
First violation: written warning
Second violation: $100.00
Third and subsequent violations: $200.00
B.
Enforcement of this bylaw shall be implemented by the Board of Health or its designated agent.
ARTICLE 25: To see if the Town will vote to enter into immediate discussions with other Western Massachusetts municipalities with the intent of entering an inter-municipal agreement, by and through the Select Board, pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 4A of the Massachusetts General Laws, for the purpose of establishing a universal, open access, financially self-sustaining
communication system for the provision of broadband service, including high-speed Internet
access, telephone and cable television to the residents, businesses and institutions of these
municipalities; or act relatives thereto.
ARTICLE 26: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to accept and expend any grants and/or gifts that may become available, or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 27: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to dispose of any unused town-owned equipment and/or property, or act relative thereto.
To vote on the following question:
“Shall the Town of Ashfield be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so called, the amounts required to pay for the purchase of a truck and plow for the highway department?”
Polls to be closed at 6:00 PM.
ARTICLE 2: To act on the reports of the Town Officers.
ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote to set the salary compensation for all elected officials of the town (Select Board, Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Moderator, Tree Warden and Constable) as provided by MGL Chapter 41, Section 108, to be made effective from July 1, 2010, as contained in the budget, or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for VOCATIONAL SCHOOL EXPENSES AND EDUCATIONAL CAPITAL EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Capital 117,566
Vocational 430,000
ARTICLE 5: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds $1,818,364 to pay for REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town of Ashfield shall allow the Mohawk Trail Regional School District to establish stabilization funds in accordance with M.G.L. c. 71 section 16G½ for capital projects with regard to the Mohawk Trail Regional School District High School and Middle School or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 7: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for AMBULANCE SERVICE or act relative thereto:
Highland Assessment 20,241
Radio Assessment 1,200
ARTICLE 8: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds $3,000 to pay for the RESERVE ACCOUNT, or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for GENERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Appeals Board 150
Elected Assessor Chair 0
Elected Assessor Salaries (2) @ 1,250 0
Assessor’s Clerk 12,808
Assessor’s Expenses 25,900
Accounting Expenses 0
Auditor 9,500
Conservation Commission 900
Bonds 1,200
Insurance Buildings/Liability 33,000
Office Expenses 0
Office Supplies/Expenses 5,650
Postage 250
Computer/Internet 2,500
Planning Board 700
Elections 3,500
Registrars of Voters 400
Town Administrator 27,816
Street Lists 500
Municipal Town Clerk Salary 7,628
Municipal Town Clerk Asst. 10,868
Town Clerk Expenses 100
Town Report 500
Collector 16,754
Town Collector Expenses 9,182
Town Counsel 10,000
Town Hall Maintenance 7,000
Town Hall Utilities 14,000
Elected Select Board Chair 0
Elected Select Board Salaries (2) @ 1,250 0
Select Board Expenses 800
Elected Moderator 0
Treasurer Salary 12,509
Treasurer Expenses 1,500
Tax Title 13,000
TOTAL 228,615
ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available fund the following sums of money to pay for the following CAPITAL EXPENDITURES or act relative thereto:
Ambulance Capital 3,205
ARTICLE 11: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for PUBLIC SAFETY expenses or act relative thereto:
Animal Control Salary 1,729
Animal Control Expenses 550
Fire Chief’s Salary 2,594
Fire Chief’s Expenses 340
Fire Department Expenses 29,250
Fire Department Utilities 7,110
Fire Department Fuel 2,500
Emergency Management 1,000
Lake Dam Inspection 1,500
Police Chief Salary 48,375
Police Sergeant Salary 0
Police Department 39,135
Police Department Fuel 6,000
Drug/Alcohol Testing 300
Tree Warden 0
Tree Warden Expenses 4,000
TOTAL 144,383
ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for CULTURAL/RECREATIONAL EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Belding Memorial Library 29,700
Belding Memorial Park 10,855
Veterans Graves 720
TOTAL 41,275
ARTICLE 13: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for SANITATION SERVICES or act relative thereto:
Hilltown Resource Management 5,825
Transfer Station 68,100
Transfer Station Utilities 900
Inspector of Animals 350
TOTAL 75,175
ARTICLE 14: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for HEALTH SERVICES or act relative thereto.
FRCOG Health 7,412
Health Board Expenses 900
Elected Board of Health Salaries 3 @ 450 0
TOTAL 8,312
ARTICLE 15: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for HIGHWAY AND ROAD EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
General Highway 26,700
Labor 152,756
Machinery Maintenance 31,500
Highway Fuel 41,500
Highway Department Utilities 12,600
Uniforms 0
Highway Superintendent 51,374
Winter Roads 85,424
Street Lights 0
Lake Dam Maintenance 1,000
TOTAL 402,854
ARTICLE 16: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate an additional sum up to $145,000 to meet the Town’s share of the costs of purchasing a new truck for the highway department to serve the Town of Ashfield; that to meet such appropriation the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Select Board, be authorized to borrow up to the sum of $145,000; provided that the borrowing authorized hereunder shall be contingent on the passage of a debt exclusion under Proposition 2½.
ARTICLE 17: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for HUMAN SERVICES EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Council on Aging 22,162
Local Council 50
Veterans’ Council 3,705
Veterans’ Benefits Local 1,000
TOTAL 26,917
ARTICLE 18: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Health Insurance 66,800
Medicare/FICA 11,000
Retiree Benefit-Health 10,500
Retirement Sys. Contributions 70,392
Sick Leave (Departing Employee) 0
Vacation/Personal (Departing Employee) 0
Unemployment 35,300
Workers Compensation 12,000
TOTAL 205,992
ARTICLE 19: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for FRANKLIN REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Core Assessment 15,313
Accountant 17,423
Software 1,250
Procurement 2,200
Radio Maintenance 2,360
Inspector Program 39,999
TOTAL 78,545
ARTICLE 20: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $135,400 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund for sewer expenses and to meet that appropriation by raising $125,400 from sewer charges and transferring $10,000 from retained earnings of the Sewer Enterprise Fund for a total of $135,400 to pay for SEWER EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Salaries and Benefits 72,350
Fixed Operating Costs 2,000
Volume Based Costs 56,050
Emergency Fund 5,000
TOTAL 135,400
ARTICLE 21: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds the following sums of money to pay for DEBT EXPENSES or act relative thereto:
Short Term Interest 7,500
Town Common Principal 15,000
Town Common Interest 3,300
Highway Debt 85,099
TOTAL 110,899
ARTICLE 22: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the following Revolving Fund Accounts pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, to account for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 or act relative thereto:
Revolving Fund Authorized to Spend Revenue Source Use of fund FY2011 Spending Limit
Dog License and Control Town Clerk Licenses, fines and donations Supplies, animal care, by law permitted expenses
$2,500
Park
Park Commission Program fees, donations Park Expenses
$1,500
Library
Library Board of Trustees Fees, rental Library expenses
$2,000
ARTICLE 23: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to appoint a select board member to serve as Emergency Management Director, and to supervise him in that position, while he continues to serve as a select board member, or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 24: To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following non-criminal disposition bylaw for the violation of Board of Heath private well regulations
Non-criminal disposition: Whoever violates any provision of the Board of Health’s “Private Well Regulations”, may be penalized by the non-criminal method of disposition as provided in MGL Chapter 40, Section 21D.
Each day on which any violation exists shall be deemed to be a separate offense. For the purpose of this provision, the penalty to apply in the event of a violation shall be as follows:
First violation: written warning
Second violation: $100.00
Third and subsequent violations: $200.00
B.
Enforcement of this bylaw shall be implemented by the Board of Health or its designated agent.
ARTICLE 25: To see if the Town will vote to enter into immediate discussions with other Western Massachusetts municipalities with the intent of entering an inter-municipal agreement, by and through the Select Board, pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 4A of the Massachusetts General Laws, for the purpose of establishing a universal, open access, financially self-sustaining
communication system for the provision of broadband service, including high-speed Internet
access, telephone and cable television to the residents, businesses and institutions of these
municipalities; or act relatives thereto.
ARTICLE 26: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to accept and expend any grants and/or gifts that may become available, or act relative thereto.
ARTICLE 27: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to dispose of any unused town-owned equipment and/or property, or act relative thereto.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Library Trustee Candidate Statement
As a professional editor and writer, my life revolves around books. And as someone who lives in a house that’s already pretty full of books, much of my reading life revolves around the Belding Memorial Library. The stacks provide a lot of my light reading, and Anne Judson has often pulled in more obscure volumes for me through inter-library loan. So when I heard of the opening on the Board of Trustees, I decided it was an ideal chance to do my part for the town.
I would bring to the position my past experience as a trustee, including a two-year stint as treasurer. I would also bring my deep love for the library as a source of great literature and fun reading, a place to meet and share news, and (very important to those of us who live out in dial-up land) a public high-speed internet access node.
I’d also bring a willingness to tackle the serious challenges the library is facing at the moment, from the water leakage in the basement to the financing problems that are hitting the book-buying budget particularly hard. We need to make sure the children’s library stays well-stocked, since this is where so many children learn about the joys of reading. I can still remember books I read from the children’s section of the small library in my hometown in Pennsylvania.
I’ve gotten so much from the library – and the town – over the years. I’d love the opportunity to give something back.
David King
I would bring to the position my past experience as a trustee, including a two-year stint as treasurer. I would also bring my deep love for the library as a source of great literature and fun reading, a place to meet and share news, and (very important to those of us who live out in dial-up land) a public high-speed internet access node.
I’d also bring a willingness to tackle the serious challenges the library is facing at the moment, from the water leakage in the basement to the financing problems that are hitting the book-buying budget particularly hard. We need to make sure the children’s library stays well-stocked, since this is where so many children learn about the joys of reading. I can still remember books I read from the children’s section of the small library in my hometown in Pennsylvania.
I’ve gotten so much from the library – and the town – over the years. I’d love the opportunity to give something back.
David King
Town Reports Are Coming
On Saturday, the Fire Department will deliver the Annual Town Reports door to door. According to Emergency Management Director Doug Field, the delivery will be used as an exercise to see how long it takes the Fire Department to reach every household in town.
If you’d like to help get the reports out (and perhaps get a ride in a fire truck), just show up at the firehouse at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. The distribution should be finished by noon.
Select Board chair Ted Murray reports that the town warrant, budget and two information sheets – one on the proposed debt exclusion for the truck, the other on the proposed stabilization fund for the schools – will be printed and available at Town Hall Saturday morning. The bottom line on the budget, if the town approves all expenditures, is $3,851,943.00. This yields a tax rate of $12.54 per $1,000.
David King
If you’d like to help get the reports out (and perhaps get a ride in a fire truck), just show up at the firehouse at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. The distribution should be finished by noon.
Select Board chair Ted Murray reports that the town warrant, budget and two information sheets – one on the proposed debt exclusion for the truck, the other on the proposed stabilization fund for the schools – will be printed and available at Town Hall Saturday morning. The bottom line on the budget, if the town approves all expenditures, is $3,851,943.00. This yields a tax rate of $12.54 per $1,000.
David King
Senior Programs Head for the Hills
A three-member Task Force from Ashfield will soon be working with the Shelburne Senior Center to bring programs for seniors to Ashfield. Select Board Chair Ted Murray explained that the Senior Center plans to move away from programs at the Senior Center in Shelburne Falls and more toward programs in the local towns. The task force is charged with helping them adapt their programs to Ashfield.
The task force members, appointed last night, are Helen Boyden, Linda Gougeon, and Janice Howes.
In other news, Murray said that the grant for a new firehouse under the Federal Stimulus Package has been denied. One of the factors the stimulus grants take into account in approving projects is the local unemployment rate, and Ashfield’s is apparently too low.
David King
The task force members, appointed last night, are Helen Boyden, Linda Gougeon, and Janice Howes.
In other news, Murray said that the grant for a new firehouse under the Federal Stimulus Package has been denied. One of the factors the stimulus grants take into account in approving projects is the local unemployment rate, and Ashfield’s is apparently too low.
David King
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Yet Another Lawsuit
A former employee of the Police Department has filed an MCAD (Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination) lawsuit against the town. Select Board chair Ted Murray said tonight that the town had received notification by mail of the suit.
Though both board members refused to name the former employee or give details of the suit, Select Board member Dave DeHerdt said that the suit is completely separate from the other two MCAD suits currently pending against the town. Murray said that the suit could cost the town another $10,000 – the insurance company’s deductible for defending against a lawsuit.
When asked if the additional charges will undermine the newly-finalized town budget, DeHerdt explained that the town authorized $20,000 in legal fees at a special town meeting last year. Since then, DeHerdt has challenged the insurance company’s interpretation of their contract with the town. His argument is that the two current lawsuits stem from the same actions by the same individuals, so they should be covered by the same $10,000 deductible. If his challenge is successful, that will free $10,000 to cover the deductible for the latest suit.
DeHerdt also said that, by law, if a town is forced to defend itself in a lawsuit and wins, it can demand reimbursement for legal fees.
David King
Though both board members refused to name the former employee or give details of the suit, Select Board member Dave DeHerdt said that the suit is completely separate from the other two MCAD suits currently pending against the town. Murray said that the suit could cost the town another $10,000 – the insurance company’s deductible for defending against a lawsuit.
When asked if the additional charges will undermine the newly-finalized town budget, DeHerdt explained that the town authorized $20,000 in legal fees at a special town meeting last year. Since then, DeHerdt has challenged the insurance company’s interpretation of their contract with the town. His argument is that the two current lawsuits stem from the same actions by the same individuals, so they should be covered by the same $10,000 deductible. If his challenge is successful, that will free $10,000 to cover the deductible for the latest suit.
DeHerdt also said that, by law, if a town is forced to defend itself in a lawsuit and wins, it can demand reimbursement for legal fees.
David King
Broadband Informational Meeting
The telecommunications committee will be hosting a meeting on Thursday, April 29, at 7pm in Town Hall to discuss current events in broadband for Ashfield and the surrounding region. In particular, in advance of our annual town meeting on Saturday, May 1, I will be giving a presentation on a proposed fiber optic broadband network. The town will be voting on whether to create a joint municipal entity with other towns to build a fiber optic network in western Massachusetts. I am acting as a volunteer on the steering committee of Wired West, the organization promoting this effort.
Over 40 towns will be voting on this issue during the annual town meeting season and two towns, Shelburne and Conway, have both already passed the article unanimously.
I encourage everyone with an interest in high speed internet to attend -- enthusiasts and skeptics all very welcome. I hope to answer questions and provide as much information as I can.
PS. If you have a laptop projector that I could use, please email!
David Kulp
Over 40 towns will be voting on this issue during the annual town meeting season and two towns, Shelburne and Conway, have both already passed the article unanimously.
I encourage everyone with an interest in high speed internet to attend -- enthusiasts and skeptics all very welcome. I hope to answer questions and provide as much information as I can.
PS. If you have a laptop projector that I could use, please email!
David Kulp
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wednesday Select Board Agenda
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
April 21, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 13 – open session
Minutes from Apr 15 – open session
Minutes from Apr 15 – executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Council on Aging Task Force
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Email policies
5. MAIL
a. Western Massachusetts Municipal Law Seminar
b. Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program
c. Mohawk Regional School District
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review/assign warrant articles for ATM
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 28 @ 7 PM – Select Board meeting (with Moderator and Finance Committee to review Warrant for Annual Town Meeting)
May 1 @ 10 AM – Annual Town Meeting
May 12 @ 7 PM – Select Board meeting
9. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
April 21, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 13 – open session
Minutes from Apr 15 – open session
Minutes from Apr 15 – executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Council on Aging Task Force
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Email policies
5. MAIL
a. Western Massachusetts Municipal Law Seminar
b. Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program
c. Mohawk Regional School District
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review/assign warrant articles for ATM
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 28 @ 7 PM – Select Board meeting (with Moderator and Finance Committee to review Warrant for Annual Town Meeting)
May 1 @ 10 AM – Annual Town Meeting
May 12 @ 7 PM – Select Board meeting
9. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Planning Board Candidate's Statement
Hello members of the Ashfield community. My name is Alan Rice and I am running for a position on the Planning Board. As a landscape architect and site planner with over sixteen years’ experience I have developed a keen interest in how principles of planning and design impact/influence growth in communities. My work has required a thorough understanding of planning issues, codes and regulations at state, county and municipal levels. I have collaborated with allied professionals, public servants, businesses, citizens’ groups and individuals on dozens of design and planning projects. For eight years I served on the board of a local land advocacy group proactively engaged with planners, developers and citizens on comprehensive growth management. This effort has produced positive results for many local residential and commercial neighborhoods affected by quality-of-life issues.
I would like to bring these experiences to the Ashfield Planning Board as an advocate for sensible growth management practices, as well as in service to this community that I have grown to love and now call home. Thank you for your support and please remember to vote on May 1.
I would like to bring these experiences to the Ashfield Planning Board as an advocate for sensible growth management practices, as well as in service to this community that I have grown to love and now call home. Thank you for your support and please remember to vote on May 1.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Important Voting Info from Town Clerk
Both town meeting and the local election will be held at Sanderson Academy on May 1, 2010. A town meeting is required to open the polls for voting. Consequently, the polls will be open shortly after town meeting convenes at 10 am. Polls are open until 6 pm.
The last day to request an absentee ballot is noon on April 30. Town Hall will be open from 8 am until noon on April 30. If you are not able to come to Town Hall during regular business hours to request an absentee ballot, please call Maryellen Cranston at 628-0090. Please leave a message if she does not answer the phone when you call. She will call you back as soon as she can.
Please note that all absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls at 6 pm. If you are unable to mail your absentee ballot to ensure delivery by May 1, please plan to bring your absentee ballots to town hall by Friday, April 30.
If you have any questions, please call Maryellen Cranston at 628-0090.
The last day to request an absentee ballot is noon on April 30. Town Hall will be open from 8 am until noon on April 30. If you are not able to come to Town Hall during regular business hours to request an absentee ballot, please call Maryellen Cranston at 628-0090. Please leave a message if she does not answer the phone when you call. She will call you back as soon as she can.
Please note that all absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls at 6 pm. If you are unable to mail your absentee ballot to ensure delivery by May 1, please plan to bring your absentee ballots to town hall by Friday, April 30.
If you have any questions, please call Maryellen Cranston at 628-0090.
Town Hall Bulletin Board
Town Hall Building Committee 4/19 Mon 7 pm
Select Board 4/21 Wed 10 am
Select Board 4/21 Wed 7 pm
Planning Board 4/21 Wed 7:30 pm
Police Chief Search Committee 4/22 Thu 7 pm
Park Commission 4/27 Tue 9 am
Select Board 4/28 Wed 7 pm
Conservation Commission 4/28 Wed 7:30 pm
Police Chief Search Committee 4/29 Thu 7 pm
Telecommunications Commission 4/29 Thu 7 pm
Historical Commission 4/29 Thu 7:30 pm
Board of Health 5/4 Tue 7 pm
Select Board 5/5 Wed 7pm
Ashfield History Project 5/5 Wed 7pm
Police Chief Search Committee 5/6 Thu 7 pm
Select Board 4/21 Wed 10 am
Select Board 4/21 Wed 7 pm
Planning Board 4/21 Wed 7:30 pm
Police Chief Search Committee 4/22 Thu 7 pm
Park Commission 4/27 Tue 9 am
Select Board 4/28 Wed 7 pm
Conservation Commission 4/28 Wed 7:30 pm
Police Chief Search Committee 4/29 Thu 7 pm
Telecommunications Commission 4/29 Thu 7 pm
Historical Commission 4/29 Thu 7:30 pm
Board of Health 5/4 Tue 7 pm
Select Board 5/5 Wed 7pm
Ashfield History Project 5/5 Wed 7pm
Police Chief Search Committee 5/6 Thu 7 pm
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Annual Town Meeting Info: New Truck
On the ballot and at Town Meeting on May 1, voters will be asked:
“Shall the Town of Ashfield be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so called, the amounts required to pay for the purchase of a truck and plow for the highway department?"
This “debt exclusion” ballot question seeks permission from the voters to borrow money for the purpose of buying a new highway truck to replace a 20-year-old truck. The old truck to be replaced is a 1990 Ford 8000 with an 8 cubic yard dump body and a 20-year-old slide-in V box sand spreader and plow.
A debt exclusion can only be authorized by a two-thirds vote of approval at annual town meeting and a majority vote of approval at the ballot box: a YES vote will be a vote in favor of the debt exclusion to purchase of a new truck, and a NO vote will be against the debt exclusion and purchase of a new truck.
A New Truck
A new truck (estimated cost = $145,00) would be a current model equipped with modern equipment including what is called an all season body and a snowplow.
•An all season body is a combination dump body and sand spreader. It can be quickly converted, normally with just one person. (To put in or take out a slide-in sander body for our current truck requires more people, much more time and a piece of equipment to lift the sander body and the dump body tailgate.)
A new truck with an all season body provides:
•More load capacity for spreading sand, less trips back to the sand shed.
•Material spread in front of rear tires rather than behind them provides traction. No need to back up in very icy situations, rear discharge trucks often back up the entire length of a road, very time consuming. Sand mixture spread in front of rear wheels versus behind them puts the driver and all users of the road in a much safer situation.
•A more uniform and efficient sand spread pattern, resulting in less wasted material, less material used per lane mile.
•Less top heavy; a V box spreader is very top heavy and often a contributing factor to a problem such as a truck getting sucked into a ditch or tipping.
•A little more stability in equipment replacement schedules. Trucks are scheduled for replacement at twenty year intervals. The next oldest truck is a 1994.
•A truck ready to be used as a dump truck on a year round basis.
•More reliability, dependability and cost savings - less likely to need repairs than a twenty year old truck
•Updated emission standards, cleaner exhaust etc.
What is Debt Exclusion?
The purchase of a new truck would be financed by borrowing money under terms of a “debt exclusion.” By approving a debt exclusion, a community calculates its annual levy limit under Proposition 2-1/2, then adds the excluded debt service cost. That amount is added to the levy limit for the life of the debt only and may increase the levy above the levy ceiling. Unlike an override, a debt exclusion does not become part of the base upon which the levy limit is calculated in future years.
How Will Taxpayers Be Affected?
As currently estimated by the Board of Assessors:
If a $145,000 truck is financed for 3 years at today's rate of 3.1%, this adds $7,034 interest over the 3 years for a total of $152,034. This adds $0.23/$1000 value to the current tax rate. This $0.23 increase will be added to the tax rate for 3 years only.
•For a property worth $100,000, the increase in taxes will be $23.00/year each year for 3 years (total over 3 years = $69.00).
•For a property worth $200,000, the increase in taxes will be $46.00/year each year for 3 years (total over 3 years = $138.00).
If the same $145,000 truck is financed at 3.85% for 5 years, this adds $14,635 interest over the 5 years for a total of $159,635. This adds $0.14/$1,000 to the current tax rate for 5 years only.
•The $100,000 property owner will see an increase in their tax of $14.00 each year for 5 years (total over 5 years =$70.00).
•The $200,000 property owner will see an increase of $28.00 each year for 5 years (total over 5 years = $140.00).
Ted Murray
Chair of the Select Board
“Shall the Town of Ashfield be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so called, the amounts required to pay for the purchase of a truck and plow for the highway department?"
This “debt exclusion” ballot question seeks permission from the voters to borrow money for the purpose of buying a new highway truck to replace a 20-year-old truck. The old truck to be replaced is a 1990 Ford 8000 with an 8 cubic yard dump body and a 20-year-old slide-in V box sand spreader and plow.
A debt exclusion can only be authorized by a two-thirds vote of approval at annual town meeting and a majority vote of approval at the ballot box: a YES vote will be a vote in favor of the debt exclusion to purchase of a new truck, and a NO vote will be against the debt exclusion and purchase of a new truck.
A New Truck
A new truck (estimated cost = $145,00) would be a current model equipped with modern equipment including what is called an all season body and a snowplow.
•An all season body is a combination dump body and sand spreader. It can be quickly converted, normally with just one person. (To put in or take out a slide-in sander body for our current truck requires more people, much more time and a piece of equipment to lift the sander body and the dump body tailgate.)
A new truck with an all season body provides:
•More load capacity for spreading sand, less trips back to the sand shed.
•Material spread in front of rear tires rather than behind them provides traction. No need to back up in very icy situations, rear discharge trucks often back up the entire length of a road, very time consuming. Sand mixture spread in front of rear wheels versus behind them puts the driver and all users of the road in a much safer situation.
•A more uniform and efficient sand spread pattern, resulting in less wasted material, less material used per lane mile.
•Less top heavy; a V box spreader is very top heavy and often a contributing factor to a problem such as a truck getting sucked into a ditch or tipping.
•A little more stability in equipment replacement schedules. Trucks are scheduled for replacement at twenty year intervals. The next oldest truck is a 1994.
•A truck ready to be used as a dump truck on a year round basis.
•More reliability, dependability and cost savings - less likely to need repairs than a twenty year old truck
•Updated emission standards, cleaner exhaust etc.
What is Debt Exclusion?
The purchase of a new truck would be financed by borrowing money under terms of a “debt exclusion.” By approving a debt exclusion, a community calculates its annual levy limit under Proposition 2-1/2, then adds the excluded debt service cost. That amount is added to the levy limit for the life of the debt only and may increase the levy above the levy ceiling. Unlike an override, a debt exclusion does not become part of the base upon which the levy limit is calculated in future years.
How Will Taxpayers Be Affected?
As currently estimated by the Board of Assessors:
If a $145,000 truck is financed for 3 years at today's rate of 3.1%, this adds $7,034 interest over the 3 years for a total of $152,034. This adds $0.23/$1000 value to the current tax rate. This $0.23 increase will be added to the tax rate for 3 years only.
•For a property worth $100,000, the increase in taxes will be $23.00/year each year for 3 years (total over 3 years = $69.00).
•For a property worth $200,000, the increase in taxes will be $46.00/year each year for 3 years (total over 3 years = $138.00).
If the same $145,000 truck is financed at 3.85% for 5 years, this adds $14,635 interest over the 5 years for a total of $159,635. This adds $0.14/$1,000 to the current tax rate for 5 years only.
•The $100,000 property owner will see an increase in their tax of $14.00 each year for 5 years (total over 5 years =$70.00).
•The $200,000 property owner will see an increase of $28.00 each year for 5 years (total over 5 years = $140.00).
Ted Murray
Chair of the Select Board
Statement of Ted Murray, Candidate for Finance Committee
If elected to the Finance Committee, I will try to help Ashfield’s residents develop an increased understanding of our town’s budget and spending priorities. My undergraduate degree is in engineering, and after earning an M.B.A. and D.B.A. from Harvard Business School, I taught management for over 25 years at Boston University’s School of Management.
Although now retired, I’ve most recently served as Chair of the Select Board. In that role, I’ve worked extensively on our town’s budget for FY 2011, and I’ve come to a much deeper appreciation of all that is done for us by both employees and volunteers with limited funds and resources. But such information is generally difficult to convey to others. For many people, budgets seem just a maze of figures that are both confusing and boring, but I would hope to change that.
I will work to help residents be clear about where and how our tax dollars are being spent. For example, how does Ashfield compare to other towns, such as Buckland, Conway, and Shelburne in terms of our expenditures for highways? Do we spend more or less than they do, and are we satisfied with that relationship? Is there any advantage in sharing police services? By joining with Buckland and Shelburne in a study sponsored by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG), we might identify more cost effective ways to achieve police coverage. In these and other ways, I would work to help inform financial decision making for our town.
Although now retired, I’ve most recently served as Chair of the Select Board. In that role, I’ve worked extensively on our town’s budget for FY 2011, and I’ve come to a much deeper appreciation of all that is done for us by both employees and volunteers with limited funds and resources. But such information is generally difficult to convey to others. For many people, budgets seem just a maze of figures that are both confusing and boring, but I would hope to change that.
I will work to help residents be clear about where and how our tax dollars are being spent. For example, how does Ashfield compare to other towns, such as Buckland, Conway, and Shelburne in terms of our expenditures for highways? Do we spend more or less than they do, and are we satisfied with that relationship? Is there any advantage in sharing police services? By joining with Buckland and Shelburne in a study sponsored by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG), we might identify more cost effective ways to achieve police coverage. In these and other ways, I would work to help inform financial decision making for our town.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Cute Bunny Needs Home
Animal Control Officer Warren Kirkpatrick says the domestic rabbit found on Buckland Road has not been claimed, so is now up for adoption. The rabbit is healthy and easy to handle. It is white with black ears and eyes and black spots on its body. There is a picture of it up in the Post Office. The animal would make a good pet and awaits a good home. If you’re interested in adopting a bunny, call 628-3811.
Tennis Lessons Anyone?
Anyone out there willing to give tennis lessons this summer? We have a few kids in town who are interested in learning and need instruction. Who's out there willing to share their love of the game with these kids? Perhaps you have played a long time and want to share your knowledge or know a college student who is going to be home and would do this. You would be paid, of course. Please ask around and see if we can put something small together. Leave word in the comment section or email Ruth Julian, the editor, your information.
Thanks, Amelia Maloney
Thanks, Amelia Maloney
Friday, April 16, 2010
Proposed Budget Cuts Two Jobs
At the annual town meeting on May 1, voters will choose whether to approve a budget that would eliminate two town positions--one from the police department and one from the highway department.
At the Selectboard meeting last night, Board Chair Ted Murray presented a proposal that the town eliminate the sergeant’s position and rely on a full time chief and four reserve officers who would put in a total of 30 hours a week. With reduced fuel costs and with the final payment on the cruiser made, this would give an annual police budget of $93,510, a 28% drop from last year. Murray also proposed that the highway department eliminate one position.
While acknowledging the depth of these cuts (“This is a mean-spirited budget in a lot of ways.”), Murray argued that the town needs to make lasting, systemic cost reductions to avoid ongoing financial problems. He pointed out that eliminating two positions provides permanent reductions not only in salary but in benefits.
To support the cuts, Murray compared the police and highway budgets of Ashfield and two other comparably-sized local towns: Conway and Colrain. Last year Ashfield, with 1815 residents, spent $51.80 per citizen for police services while Colrain (1840 residents) spent $23.90 and Conway (1884) spent $35.97. For highway maintenance Ashfield, with 71 miles of road, spent $239,000 while Conway, also with 71, spent $191,000 and Colrain, with 79, spent $200,000.
During the open forum section of the meeting, Kurt Pichette questioned the highway numbers, asking if Murray had taken into consideration factors like the percentage of dirt roads (which are more expensive to maintain) or whether the other towns outsource their plowing or repairs. Murray said that he had not and stressed that his comparison was preliminary and needed further refinement.
The proposed budget contains other cuts. The percentage of health insurance costs for town employees paid by the town will be reduced from 75% to 65%. The town will not be purchasing new trash bags, having enough to last the year.
The Selectboard has also eliminated stipends for all elected officials, saying the decision makers should not be exempt from the cuts this year. The Finance Committee proposed restoring all stipends to one-half of their original levels. But the Selectboard did not agree with restoring any of the stipends for FY 2011. However, Dave DeHerdt stated that he would insure the issue of restoring stipends would be looked at again during the FY 2012 budgeting process. All members of the Finance Committee and Selectboard agreed that it was important to restore the stipends for elected positions in the future.
While the budget is not yet finalized, both the Selectboard and the Finance Committee agreed that the cuts were necessary to bring the budget into balance.
David King
At the Selectboard meeting last night, Board Chair Ted Murray presented a proposal that the town eliminate the sergeant’s position and rely on a full time chief and four reserve officers who would put in a total of 30 hours a week. With reduced fuel costs and with the final payment on the cruiser made, this would give an annual police budget of $93,510, a 28% drop from last year. Murray also proposed that the highway department eliminate one position.
While acknowledging the depth of these cuts (“This is a mean-spirited budget in a lot of ways.”), Murray argued that the town needs to make lasting, systemic cost reductions to avoid ongoing financial problems. He pointed out that eliminating two positions provides permanent reductions not only in salary but in benefits.
To support the cuts, Murray compared the police and highway budgets of Ashfield and two other comparably-sized local towns: Conway and Colrain. Last year Ashfield, with 1815 residents, spent $51.80 per citizen for police services while Colrain (1840 residents) spent $23.90 and Conway (1884) spent $35.97. For highway maintenance Ashfield, with 71 miles of road, spent $239,000 while Conway, also with 71, spent $191,000 and Colrain, with 79, spent $200,000.
During the open forum section of the meeting, Kurt Pichette questioned the highway numbers, asking if Murray had taken into consideration factors like the percentage of dirt roads (which are more expensive to maintain) or whether the other towns outsource their plowing or repairs. Murray said that he had not and stressed that his comparison was preliminary and needed further refinement.
The proposed budget contains other cuts. The percentage of health insurance costs for town employees paid by the town will be reduced from 75% to 65%. The town will not be purchasing new trash bags, having enough to last the year.
The Selectboard has also eliminated stipends for all elected officials, saying the decision makers should not be exempt from the cuts this year. The Finance Committee proposed restoring all stipends to one-half of their original levels. But the Selectboard did not agree with restoring any of the stipends for FY 2011. However, Dave DeHerdt stated that he would insure the issue of restoring stipends would be looked at again during the FY 2012 budgeting process. All members of the Finance Committee and Selectboard agreed that it was important to restore the stipends for elected positions in the future.
While the budget is not yet finalized, both the Selectboard and the Finance Committee agreed that the cuts were necessary to bring the budget into balance.
David King
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tonight's Selectboard Agenda--4/15
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA
(preliminary and subject to change) April 15, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 1 - open session (revised)
Minutes from Apr 8 - open session
Minutes from Apr 8 - executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a.
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Update on status of forensic review of emails
b. Update on status of Police Chief Search Committee
5. MAIL
a. Letter from Attorney General re: Belding Park restoration
b. FRCOG letter re Minuteman Savoy Wind Project
6. NEW BUSINESS
a.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
b. Board of Health request for addition of warrant article for ATM
8.. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Final budget for ATM warrant
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 21 - Select Board meeting
April 28 - Select Board meeting
May 1 - Annual Town Meeting
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
(preliminary and subject to change) April 15, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 1 - open session (revised)
Minutes from Apr 8 - open session
Minutes from Apr 8 - executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a.
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Update on status of forensic review of emails
b. Update on status of Police Chief Search Committee
5. MAIL
a. Letter from Attorney General re: Belding Park restoration
b. FRCOG letter re Minuteman Savoy Wind Project
6. NEW BUSINESS
a.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
b. Board of Health request for addition of warrant article for ATM
8.. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Final budget for ATM warrant
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 21 - Select Board meeting
April 28 - Select Board meeting
May 1 - Annual Town Meeting
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Board of Health Candidate Statement
I have been a resident of Ashfield for 40 years, a teacher at Sanderson Academy for 30 years, served on the Sanderson Academy reuse committee, and served on the Sanderson Academy demolition/salvage committee. Other volunteer projects/committees: Ashfield Ambulance Association member/dispatcher, flu clinic, Historical Commission, Council on Aging board, Conservation Commission and Ashfield Community Hall secretary/treasurer.
By the looks and thickness of the Massachusetts guidebook for Town Boards of Health, this committee is responsible for many public health issues. I will strive to do my very best while serving on this committee. May I have your vote on May 1, 2010?
Thank you.
Joanne H. Ostrowski
By the looks and thickness of the Massachusetts guidebook for Town Boards of Health, this committee is responsible for many public health issues. I will strive to do my very best while serving on this committee. May I have your vote on May 1, 2010?
Thank you.
Joanne H. Ostrowski
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Canditate's Statement--Finance Committee
Greetings to all Ashfield residents.
My name is Lynn Taylor and I am running for the one year finance committee position. I reside on Hill Road with my husband of seventeen years, Alan, and our three children, Kyle, Jared and Syndey. I graduated from Mohawk Trail Regional High School and then worked for the United Savings Bank in Shelburne Falls until 1997. I was the accountant and manager of Taylor Welding & Fabrication, a business owned by my husband and myself located in Buckland. I now currently run our 7th generation family farm raising Holstein and Angus cows.
My goal is to keep Ashfield affordable for all of Ashfield's citizens and families. I would like to be one of the five voices on the finance committee working to achieve this goal and helping Ashfield look to the future as we get through these tough economic times.
Every vote counts. Please come out and vote May 1st.
Thank you all,
Lynn Taylor
My name is Lynn Taylor and I am running for the one year finance committee position. I reside on Hill Road with my husband of seventeen years, Alan, and our three children, Kyle, Jared and Syndey. I graduated from Mohawk Trail Regional High School and then worked for the United Savings Bank in Shelburne Falls until 1997. I was the accountant and manager of Taylor Welding & Fabrication, a business owned by my husband and myself located in Buckland. I now currently run our 7th generation family farm raising Holstein and Angus cows.
My goal is to keep Ashfield affordable for all of Ashfield's citizens and families. I would like to be one of the five voices on the finance committee working to achieve this goal and helping Ashfield look to the future as we get through these tough economic times.
Every vote counts. Please come out and vote May 1st.
Thank you all,
Lynn Taylor
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A Moderator Candidate's Statement
Hello, my name is Karen Sullivan. I have lived in Ashfield for 28 years. My children grew up here, attending Sanderson and Mohawk. I opened a business in town (Berkshire Trading Company), worked for a local landscaping company, cooked for the Double Edge Theatre Group and had the privilege of caring for some of our town elders. I make handwoven baskets that have sold at Fall Festival for many years. Recently, I filled an unexpired term on the school committee. This May, I am running for town moderator.
Why am I running? I see our town moving in a new direction. For town government to work, individuals need to get involved. For most, getting involved may simply mean stating your opinion openly and without fear. I believe a moderator’s job is to make sure every voice is heard, not just some. A moderator should not impose their opinion about any issue that arises at town meeting, but remain objective.
As moderator, my goal would be to make sure that everyone feels comfortable asking questions or stating their position. I intend to help people understand how the rules work. It is my hope that by helping people understand the rules, individuals will not feel intimidated by the process, but feel comfortable actively participating in the discussion at our town meetings.
Why am I running? I see our town moving in a new direction. For town government to work, individuals need to get involved. For most, getting involved may simply mean stating your opinion openly and without fear. I believe a moderator’s job is to make sure every voice is heard, not just some. A moderator should not impose their opinion about any issue that arises at town meeting, but remain objective.
As moderator, my goal would be to make sure that everyone feels comfortable asking questions or stating their position. I intend to help people understand how the rules work. It is my hope that by helping people understand the rules, individuals will not feel intimidated by the process, but feel comfortable actively participating in the discussion at our town meetings.
To A. B.
Please post your comment again and sign it. I cannot post comments that are not signed. Initials are not enough.
Ruth Julian
Ruth Julian
Monday, April 12, 2010
Selectboard Candidate Doug Field's Statement
It is a pleasure to be running for the three year term on the selectboard. I feel that the town selectboard and the residents of Ashfield have gone through a lot this past year and it is time to start to bring credibility back to the selectboard and help the town heal.
I graduated from Sanderson Academy and served in the navy. After the navy, I returned to Ashfield and married Dianne, my wife of 45 years. We raised three daughters and have four granddaughters and one great grandson.
I joined the Ashfield Fire and Ambulance Departments in 1976 and became an Emergency Medical Technician in 1977. My wife and I served as Ambulance Directors from 1982 – 1990. I became Ashfield Fire Chief in 1987 and retired in 2009. During those years as Fire Chief, I had 22 years of trouble-free management of the town’s fire department and decades of proven responsible fiscal management. At present I am the town’s Emergency Manager. During those years as Fire Chief, Massachusetts required you to take courses in Management, Fire Science, and in all the new Incident Command systems.
After May 1st, I will work with the other selectboard members and get the town hall handicapped accessible so that we can have all the meetings back in the town hall, where they should be. We all know that the finances are not good. We will have to work to make sure that all the departments work within their budgets. At times there will be uncontrolled circumstances that will have to be addressed and handled immediately.
Douglas Field
I graduated from Sanderson Academy and served in the navy. After the navy, I returned to Ashfield and married Dianne, my wife of 45 years. We raised three daughters and have four granddaughters and one great grandson.
I joined the Ashfield Fire and Ambulance Departments in 1976 and became an Emergency Medical Technician in 1977. My wife and I served as Ambulance Directors from 1982 – 1990. I became Ashfield Fire Chief in 1987 and retired in 2009. During those years as Fire Chief, I had 22 years of trouble-free management of the town’s fire department and decades of proven responsible fiscal management. At present I am the town’s Emergency Manager. During those years as Fire Chief, Massachusetts required you to take courses in Management, Fire Science, and in all the new Incident Command systems.
After May 1st, I will work with the other selectboard members and get the town hall handicapped accessible so that we can have all the meetings back in the town hall, where they should be. We all know that the finances are not good. We will have to work to make sure that all the departments work within their budgets. At times there will be uncontrolled circumstances that will have to be addressed and handled immediately.
Douglas Field
Town Hall Bulletin Board 4/11/10
Agricultural Commission 4/13 at 7pm
Select Board 4/13 at 11:30am (budget discussion)
Board of Assessors 4/13 at 7pm
Finance Committee 4/13 at 7:30pm
Conservation Commission 4/14 at 7:30pm
Police Chief Search Committee 4/14, 4/22, 4/29 at 7pm
Select Board 4/15 at 7pm
Town Hall Building Committee 4/19 at 7pm
Park Commission 4/27 at 9am
Telecommunications Committee 4/29 at 7pm
Board of Health 5/4 at 7pm
Select Board 4/13 at 11:30am (budget discussion)
Board of Assessors 4/13 at 7pm
Finance Committee 4/13 at 7:30pm
Conservation Commission 4/14 at 7:30pm
Police Chief Search Committee 4/14, 4/22, 4/29 at 7pm
Select Board 4/15 at 7pm
Town Hall Building Committee 4/19 at 7pm
Park Commission 4/27 at 9am
Telecommunications Committee 4/29 at 7pm
Board of Health 5/4 at 7pm
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Curmudgeon Files #2
And then there was Brendan Behan, the alcoholic Irish playwright. Behan described himself as “a drinker with writing problems.” When a nun once severely berated him for his drinking, he replied, “Ah, bless you, Sister, and may all your sons be bishops.”
It seems that he was at odds with just about everything-–the British, the Church, even the Irish. “If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks.” He commented. “It’s not that the Irish are cynical,” he said, “it’s rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody.”
A rabid Nationalist, he joined the Irish Republican Army at age 16, and in 1942 embarked on an unauthorized solo mission to England to blow up the Liverpool docks. It failed, and Behan was arrested for the attempted murder of two policemen. He was released under the 1946 Amnesty and returned to Dublin and the wrath of the Irish Republican Army for his unauthorized action. “I had been court martialed in my absence and sentenced to death in my absence,” he recounted, “so I said they could shoot me in my absence.”
There came a time in Dublin when all the pubs were closed by law for one day--all, that is, except a private bar at a prestigious national dog show held there annually at the same time. This day, poor Behan was at his wit’s end for a much-needed drink. A few of his friends took pity and dragged him down to the private bar at the dog show. After being stabilized by a few drinks, Behan was asked what he thought of the place. “It’s a lovely little pub,” he replied. “Now if they’d just get rid of these damn dogs….”
But his alcoholism finally caught up with him and he died in a Dublin hospital on March 20, 1964, at age 41.
Ray Cassidy
It seems that he was at odds with just about everything-–the British, the Church, even the Irish. “If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks.” He commented. “It’s not that the Irish are cynical,” he said, “it’s rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody.”
A rabid Nationalist, he joined the Irish Republican Army at age 16, and in 1942 embarked on an unauthorized solo mission to England to blow up the Liverpool docks. It failed, and Behan was arrested for the attempted murder of two policemen. He was released under the 1946 Amnesty and returned to Dublin and the wrath of the Irish Republican Army for his unauthorized action. “I had been court martialed in my absence and sentenced to death in my absence,” he recounted, “so I said they could shoot me in my absence.”
There came a time in Dublin when all the pubs were closed by law for one day--all, that is, except a private bar at a prestigious national dog show held there annually at the same time. This day, poor Behan was at his wit’s end for a much-needed drink. A few of his friends took pity and dragged him down to the private bar at the dog show. After being stabilized by a few drinks, Behan was asked what he thought of the place. “It’s a lovely little pub,” he replied. “Now if they’d just get rid of these damn dogs….”
But his alcoholism finally caught up with him and he died in a Dublin hospital on March 20, 1964, at age 41.
Ray Cassidy
Thursday, April 8, 2010
New Articles for Town Meeting Warrant
Ashfield Town Meeting voters will have a chance to approve or reject a Mohawk Trail Regional School District proposal to establish a stabilization account for future capital expenditures. Selectboard members agreed tonight to put an article on the meeting warrant, though, according to board chair Ted Murray, the account will only be established if the majority of the district towns approve similar articles. If the account is established, it will be funded through the regular school budgeting process.
Murray explained that funds from the account could, by law, be spent only on capital projects that are approved by the school board. Murray said that the school board would have to notify the towns and any town can veto an expenditure through a special town meeting within 60 days. If the towns take no action, the project will be considered approved.
Board Member Dave DeHerdt agreed to place the article on the warrant, though he said he thought funds for the stabilization account should come from savings in other line items in the school budget.
The board also voted, subject to approval by the State Ethics Commission, to add to the warrant an article that will allow a select board member to also serve as emergency manager director.
DeHerdt said that, when this issue came up some years ago, the State Ethics Commission ruled that a select board member could serve as emergency director, but his or her appointment would have to be approved at a town meeting. He questioned whether an article establishing a general policy rather than an individual appointment would satisfy that condition. However, he agreed to put the article on the meeting warrant.
David King and Ruth Julian
Murray explained that funds from the account could, by law, be spent only on capital projects that are approved by the school board. Murray said that the school board would have to notify the towns and any town can veto an expenditure through a special town meeting within 60 days. If the towns take no action, the project will be considered approved.
Board Member Dave DeHerdt agreed to place the article on the warrant, though he said he thought funds for the stabilization account should come from savings in other line items in the school budget.
The board also voted, subject to approval by the State Ethics Commission, to add to the warrant an article that will allow a select board member to also serve as emergency manager director.
DeHerdt said that, when this issue came up some years ago, the State Ethics Commission ruled that a select board member could serve as emergency director, but his or her appointment would have to be approved at a town meeting. He questioned whether an article establishing a general policy rather than an individual appointment would satisfy that condition. However, he agreed to put the article on the meeting warrant.
David King and Ruth Julian
Tonight's Selectboard Agenda
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA
(preliminary and subject to change)
April 8, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 1 – open session
Minutes from Apr 1 – executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a.
3.
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Family Medical Leave policy
5. MAIL
a. Chapter 90 Apportionment
b. Baystate Roads Newsletter
6. NEW BUSINESS
b.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Letter of support for dispatch study grant application
b. Approval of warrant article allowing Select Board to appoint one of its own as Emergency Manager
c. Request for FRCOG to bid for fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel
d. Approval of warrant article per request of MTRSD
8. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Water (7:30)
b. Sewer (8:00)
c. Boards & Commissions (8:30)
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 15 – Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: FINAL Budget Discussion
April 16: Final day to sign ATM warrant and post ATM warrant
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
(preliminary and subject to change)
April 8, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 1 – open session
Minutes from Apr 1 – executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a.
3.
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Family Medical Leave policy
5. MAIL
a. Chapter 90 Apportionment
b. Baystate Roads Newsletter
6. NEW BUSINESS
b.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Letter of support for dispatch study grant application
b. Approval of warrant article allowing Select Board to appoint one of its own as Emergency Manager
c. Request for FRCOG to bid for fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel
d. Approval of warrant article per request of MTRSD
8. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Water (7:30)
b. Sewer (8:00)
c. Boards & Commissions (8:30)
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 15 – Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: FINAL Budget Discussion
April 16: Final day to sign ATM warrant and post ATM warrant
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Stray Bunny
Animal Control Officer Warren Kirkpatrick reports that a domestic rabbit has been found on Buckland Road. The rabbit is small and tri-colored--white, with gray and black spots. If you have lost your rabbit, please call 628-3811.
Voter Registration Deadline
Town Clerk Maryellen Cranston reports that Monday, April 12, is the last day to register to be eligible to vote at the annual Town Meeting and election on May 1. She said residents can stop at town hall for a voter registration form or they can download a form at http://www.eac.gov/nvra and place it in the drop box by April 12.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Town Hall Bulletin Board 4/6/10
Board of Health 4/6, 7 p.m.
Sewer Commission 4/6, 6 p.m.
Ashfield History Project 4/7, 7 p.m.
Planning Board 4/7, 7:30 p.m.
Police Chief Search Committee 4/8, 7 p.m.
Select Board 4/8, 7 p.m.
Select Board/Finance Committee 4/8, 7:30 p.m.
Board of Assessors 4/13, 7 p.m.
Conservation Commission 4/14, 7:30 p.m.
Park Commission 4/27, 9 a.m.
Sewer Commission 4/6, 6 p.m.
Ashfield History Project 4/7, 7 p.m.
Planning Board 4/7, 7:30 p.m.
Police Chief Search Committee 4/8, 7 p.m.
Select Board 4/8, 7 p.m.
Select Board/Finance Committee 4/8, 7:30 p.m.
Board of Assessors 4/13, 7 p.m.
Conservation Commission 4/14, 7:30 p.m.
Park Commission 4/27, 9 a.m.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Curmudgeon Files #1
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines a curmudgeon as “a surly, ill-mannered person; a cantankerous fellow”. One of my favorite curmudgeons was W.C. Fields. His real name was William Claude Dukenfield, the eldest of five children born January 29, 1880, in Darby, Pennsylvania, and ran away from home at the age of 11. During his lifetime he starred in 37 films. Fields died December 25, 1946, in Pasadena, California.
Nothing was held sacred to him or safe from his barbed wit. Asked how he liked children, he replied, “Fried,” and added, “Children should neither be seen or heard from – ever again.”
He saved some of his most caustic zingers for Philadelphia. “I once spent a year in Philadelphia,” he remarked. “I think it was on a Sunday. Last week I went there, but it was closed.” When asked why he disliked Philadelphia so much, he replied, “That town is so dull that the tide went out one day and never came back.”
“It was a woman who drove me to drink,” he once reflected, “but I never wrote to thank her.” And he complained bitterly to a friend that “some weasel had stolen the cork out of his lunch.” But his legendary drinking was just that – legendary. It was just his shtick. He was actually a tea-totaller.
Field’s famous comment: “Never give a sucker an even break” has endured to this day.
Ray Cassidy
Nothing was held sacred to him or safe from his barbed wit. Asked how he liked children, he replied, “Fried,” and added, “Children should neither be seen or heard from – ever again.”
He saved some of his most caustic zingers for Philadelphia. “I once spent a year in Philadelphia,” he remarked. “I think it was on a Sunday. Last week I went there, but it was closed.” When asked why he disliked Philadelphia so much, he replied, “That town is so dull that the tide went out one day and never came back.”
“It was a woman who drove me to drink,” he once reflected, “but I never wrote to thank her.” And he complained bitterly to a friend that “some weasel had stolen the cork out of his lunch.” But his legendary drinking was just that – legendary. It was just his shtick. He was actually a tea-totaller.
Field’s famous comment: “Never give a sucker an even break” has endured to this day.
Ray Cassidy
Candidate for Board of Assessors
Greetings to all Ashfield registered voters. My name is Wayne Gardner. I am running for a position on the Board of Assessors. I graduated from Smith Vocational, Carpentry Department in 1968 and I have worked in the trades ever since. I am a long time resident of Ashfield and know the township very well. I would like to use my knowledge and experience to serve the people of Ashfield as a member of the Board of Assessors. Every vote is important, therefore, be sure to come out to vote on May 1, 2010, for the good of our great little community of Ashfield. Thank you.
Annual Town Meeting and Election
The Annual Town Meeting and Election, always on the first Saturday in May, will be coming early this year, falling as it does on May 1. This year we will be meeting in Sanderson Academy, to provide greater handicapped accessibility.
The meeting begins at 10 a.m., with the polls opening shortly after that.
In an effort to provide greater awareness of both the candidates and the issues on the Town Meeting warrant, The Ashfield Town Common welcomes statements from all the candidates and opinions on all sides of the issues to be decided at the meeting.
Just send your statements and opinions in an e-mail to me and they will be posted as soon as possible.
Ruth Julian
rjulian@crocker.com
The meeting begins at 10 a.m., with the polls opening shortly after that.
In an effort to provide greater awareness of both the candidates and the issues on the Town Meeting warrant, The Ashfield Town Common welcomes statements from all the candidates and opinions on all sides of the issues to be decided at the meeting.
Just send your statements and opinions in an e-mail to me and they will be posted as soon as possible.
Ruth Julian
rjulian@crocker.com
Friday, April 2, 2010
No News Is Good News
I’m pleased to report that, at last night’s select board and finance committee meeting . . . nothing happened.
Of course, the board and committee weren’t idle. In fact, if you ever get a chance to attend one of these meetings, I’d recommend it. It’s astonishing how hard these volunteers work to accomplish the town’s business, hammering out a budget for town meeting that might save taxpayers some money. The decisions they face are difficult, and the ingenuity they bring to the problems is impressive.
But aside from this routine, if vital, business, nothing happened. No outbursts. No crowds of people there to advocate for one position or another. No lawsuits or threatened lawsuits. Kim Reardon was reappointed as Inspector of Animals. Barbara Sussbauer’s resignation as registrar was accepted. The minutes of earlier meetings were accepted, the liaison reports were made, and that was it.
In short, select board meetings are back to being boring, and that may be the best news the town has seen in a long time.
David King
Of course, the board and committee weren’t idle. In fact, if you ever get a chance to attend one of these meetings, I’d recommend it. It’s astonishing how hard these volunteers work to accomplish the town’s business, hammering out a budget for town meeting that might save taxpayers some money. The decisions they face are difficult, and the ingenuity they bring to the problems is impressive.
But aside from this routine, if vital, business, nothing happened. No outbursts. No crowds of people there to advocate for one position or another. No lawsuits or threatened lawsuits. Kim Reardon was reappointed as Inspector of Animals. Barbara Sussbauer’s resignation as registrar was accepted. The minutes of earlier meetings were accepted, the liaison reports were made, and that was it.
In short, select board meetings are back to being boring, and that may be the best news the town has seen in a long time.
David King
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