I want to tell Chief John Cotton thank you for being the officer on duty during the 2010 Ashfield Memorial Day parade. I am aware that Chief Cotton was the sole representative of the Ashfield Police Department. He managed the traffic and ensured the safety of all participants and bystanders.
For the past 16 years or so (that I have memory of) there has always been this wonderful parade during the morning of Memorial Day. Many times there has been a band from the local school district and always there have been tributes expressed for the soldiers of the many wars, all being remembered at the Plains cemetery.
Chief Cotton, thank you for joining us on this day for Ashfield’s annual parade event. Your help and assistance was very much appreciated.
Paullette Leukhardt
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Some Thoughts on Ashfield and Wind Power
To The Moderator, Ashfield Town Common,
And……
To our citizens, one and all:
Regarding a very recent blog post entitled:
~ Maybe in Our Backyard?
~ Could wind energy be coming to Ashfield?
The simple answer that jumps to my mind is: probably not. And let me add, sadly not.
Energy related matters have a perverse way of dividing the most civil of citizens. Local, regional, and national polls consistently show that large majorities of citizens feel we should:
- use less energy;
- develop energy sources that lead to less dependence on foreign oil;
- depend more on clean, renewable sources of energy rather than fossil fuels;
- and on, and on, and on.
Following quickly on the heels of any such poll come concrete initiatives to deal with the issues enumerated above. And sadly, all too often NIMBY comes racing out of the closet to strike at the hearts and minds of all who want to effect change.
After reading about Mr. Well’s appeal in David King’s post, I just had to hit the internet. As is often the case, I ended up on Wikipedia, wondering if there was a NIMBY entry. Indeed – read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIMBY. From there, I went on to Google the issue of wind farms and found a powerful read from Change.org. Give it a look-see here: http://environment.change.org/blog/view/nimbyism_vs_wind_energy_battle_continues.
I stand opposed to NIMBY stances that citizens often take when the good of the public is subjugated to the desires of a few. In addition, and with equal fervor, I also stand opposed to our town, by way of its Selectboard, taking a formal stand on the matter of a wind farm. In my humble opinion, we are not nearly ready to take on any issue that has the power to pit one citizen against another – no matter how important, no matter how seemingly benign. Ashfield has come through a particularly tough year. Our wounds are still too deep, our nerves still too frazzled, our Selectboard still too young as a working team to tackle such a potentially divisive issue as the development of a wind farm.
I don’t think there is any doubt that we have all moved forward, and progress continues to be made. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that lawsuits (plural) remain to be settled, lost emails have yet to be recovered, and wounds beg for time to heal.
The issue before us, as outlined in Mr. Wells' appeal, is to have the Selectboard formally take a stand in opposition to H. 4687. I would suggest that in doing so, the Selectboard would need a full measure of finesse, a gallon of luck, a bit of legal advice, and the wisdom of Solomon tossed in for good measure. I feel the costs associated with drafting such a potentially divisive letter are simply too great a burden to bear for our town in the sensitive state we are still in.
Are there alternatives? Indeed there are. A phone call to our State Representative costs nothing but time. A letter penned to that Representative costs a mere 44 cents in postage. Another venue for individual opinions are the editorial pages of our three local and regional newspapers. Why not start there? Let all our voices and opinions be heard! And in fairness to the Selectboard, let’s not burden them with the task of attempting to frame an opinion that will need to speak for all of the citizens they were elected to represent.
Paul Swem
Baptist Corner Road
And……
To our citizens, one and all:
Regarding a very recent blog post entitled:
~ Maybe in Our Backyard?
~ Could wind energy be coming to Ashfield?
The simple answer that jumps to my mind is: probably not. And let me add, sadly not.
Energy related matters have a perverse way of dividing the most civil of citizens. Local, regional, and national polls consistently show that large majorities of citizens feel we should:
- use less energy;
- develop energy sources that lead to less dependence on foreign oil;
- depend more on clean, renewable sources of energy rather than fossil fuels;
- and on, and on, and on.
Following quickly on the heels of any such poll come concrete initiatives to deal with the issues enumerated above. And sadly, all too often NIMBY comes racing out of the closet to strike at the hearts and minds of all who want to effect change.
After reading about Mr. Well’s appeal in David King’s post, I just had to hit the internet. As is often the case, I ended up on Wikipedia, wondering if there was a NIMBY entry. Indeed – read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIMBY. From there, I went on to Google the issue of wind farms and found a powerful read from Change.org. Give it a look-see here: http://environment.change.org/blog/view/nimbyism_vs_wind_energy_battle_continues.
I stand opposed to NIMBY stances that citizens often take when the good of the public is subjugated to the desires of a few. In addition, and with equal fervor, I also stand opposed to our town, by way of its Selectboard, taking a formal stand on the matter of a wind farm. In my humble opinion, we are not nearly ready to take on any issue that has the power to pit one citizen against another – no matter how important, no matter how seemingly benign. Ashfield has come through a particularly tough year. Our wounds are still too deep, our nerves still too frazzled, our Selectboard still too young as a working team to tackle such a potentially divisive issue as the development of a wind farm.
I don’t think there is any doubt that we have all moved forward, and progress continues to be made. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that lawsuits (plural) remain to be settled, lost emails have yet to be recovered, and wounds beg for time to heal.
The issue before us, as outlined in Mr. Wells' appeal, is to have the Selectboard formally take a stand in opposition to H. 4687. I would suggest that in doing so, the Selectboard would need a full measure of finesse, a gallon of luck, a bit of legal advice, and the wisdom of Solomon tossed in for good measure. I feel the costs associated with drafting such a potentially divisive letter are simply too great a burden to bear for our town in the sensitive state we are still in.
Are there alternatives? Indeed there are. A phone call to our State Representative costs nothing but time. A letter penned to that Representative costs a mere 44 cents in postage. Another venue for individual opinions are the editorial pages of our three local and regional newspapers. Why not start there? Let all our voices and opinions be heard! And in fairness to the Selectboard, let’s not burden them with the task of attempting to frame an opinion that will need to speak for all of the citizens they were elected to represent.
Paul Swem
Baptist Corner Road
Friday, May 28, 2010
Maybe in Our Backyard?
Could wind energy be coming to Ashfield?
Resident Andrew Wells, of Bailey Road, appeared before the Select Board yesterday morning to encourage them to craft a letter opposing a bill that is soon coming up for vote in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Wells said that H.4687, the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act, would allow the state to override local laws regarding the siting of wind turbines. The act also limits a town’s ability to appeal state decisions.
Wells also said that there is a wind developer looking into leasing property on Ridge Hill for wind development.
Select Board member Norm Russell agreed to look into the matter and craft a letter that will be discussed at the next Select Board meeting.
David King
Resident Andrew Wells, of Bailey Road, appeared before the Select Board yesterday morning to encourage them to craft a letter opposing a bill that is soon coming up for vote in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Wells said that H.4687, the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act, would allow the state to override local laws regarding the siting of wind turbines. The act also limits a town’s ability to appeal state decisions.
Wells also said that there is a wind developer looking into leasing property on Ridge Hill for wind development.
Select Board member Norm Russell agreed to look into the matter and craft a letter that will be discussed at the next Select Board meeting.
David King
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Park Plans Pass Muster
The State Attorney General’s office has approved the work being done on the Belding Memorial Park.
Assistant Attorney General Kerry Kosla met this morning with the Select Board, Highway Superintendant Tom Poissant, and Park Commission Chair Nina Coler to review the work that has been done on the park thus far and the plans for completion of the restoration project.
Milo Belding willed the land to the town for use as a public park in the 1920’s. For many decades, the town used the two buildings on the land to house the town’s Highway Department. Now that the new highway garage has been built on Cape Street, the town is restoring the land for use as a park according to the terms of Belding’s deed.
Much of the restoration work has been done by the Highway Department. Last year, the area below the two structures was graded and the hillside seeded in rye to prevent erosion.
Park Commissioner Nina Coler presented Ms. Kosla with the Commission’s plans for the remainder of the restoration. She then took Ms. Kosla, the board, and several interested spectators on a tour of the land and buildings.
The plans Coler presented envision two possible scenarios. In both, the flat land below the hillside will be further graded, covered in clean fill, and seeded, at a total cost of $23,400. An additional $5000 is set aside in both plans for trees to screen the property from neighboring lots, plus a few specimen trees. Both plans also include $23,500 for repairs to the historic post-and-beam hay barn and $3,600 to paint both structures.
The two plans differ on the fate of the enclosed four-bay shed built in the 1920s and expanded in the 1950s. In one, the back three bays of the shed – the oldest and least structurally sound – will be converted into an open pavilion overlooking the park at a cost of $43,400. In the other, the back three bays will be simply demolished at a cost of $7,720. Ms. Coler reported that she will be meeting with a structural engineer tomorrow to see whether the back three bays can be salvaged. She also said that, if the current shed building can’t be salvaged, she hopes the town will build a pavilion, with public restrooms, on the site, though such a building is not required to fulfill the terms of the Belding deed.
Kosla asked Poissant about a timeline for the completion of the grading work. He replied that he hoped to have it finished by fall, though it depended heavily on the weather. The work done so far was scheduled for last summer but had to be put off until last fall because of heavy rain throughout the summer.
In the end, Kosla said that the Attorney General’s office is satisfied with the progress so far and with the plans for the future. The AG’s office is supervising the work, having found, many years ago, that the use of the park for a town garage was in violation of the Belding deed.
David King
Assistant Attorney General Kerry Kosla met this morning with the Select Board, Highway Superintendant Tom Poissant, and Park Commission Chair Nina Coler to review the work that has been done on the park thus far and the plans for completion of the restoration project.
Milo Belding willed the land to the town for use as a public park in the 1920’s. For many decades, the town used the two buildings on the land to house the town’s Highway Department. Now that the new highway garage has been built on Cape Street, the town is restoring the land for use as a park according to the terms of Belding’s deed.
Much of the restoration work has been done by the Highway Department. Last year, the area below the two structures was graded and the hillside seeded in rye to prevent erosion.
Park Commissioner Nina Coler presented Ms. Kosla with the Commission’s plans for the remainder of the restoration. She then took Ms. Kosla, the board, and several interested spectators on a tour of the land and buildings.
The plans Coler presented envision two possible scenarios. In both, the flat land below the hillside will be further graded, covered in clean fill, and seeded, at a total cost of $23,400. An additional $5000 is set aside in both plans for trees to screen the property from neighboring lots, plus a few specimen trees. Both plans also include $23,500 for repairs to the historic post-and-beam hay barn and $3,600 to paint both structures.
The two plans differ on the fate of the enclosed four-bay shed built in the 1920s and expanded in the 1950s. In one, the back three bays of the shed – the oldest and least structurally sound – will be converted into an open pavilion overlooking the park at a cost of $43,400. In the other, the back three bays will be simply demolished at a cost of $7,720. Ms. Coler reported that she will be meeting with a structural engineer tomorrow to see whether the back three bays can be salvaged. She also said that, if the current shed building can’t be salvaged, she hopes the town will build a pavilion, with public restrooms, on the site, though such a building is not required to fulfill the terms of the Belding deed.
Kosla asked Poissant about a timeline for the completion of the grading work. He replied that he hoped to have it finished by fall, though it depended heavily on the weather. The work done so far was scheduled for last summer but had to be put off until last fall because of heavy rain throughout the summer.
In the end, Kosla said that the Attorney General’s office is satisfied with the progress so far and with the plans for the future. The AG’s office is supervising the work, having found, many years ago, that the use of the park for a town garage was in violation of the Belding deed.
David King
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Agenda for Morning Select Board Meeting
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
Thursday, May 27, 2010 @ 11:00 a.m.
1. VOTES/SIGNATURES
Fire Truck Grant commitment for Town 5% contribution
2. APPOINTMENTS
Belding Park View with Park Commissioner, Highway Super, Town Counsel and Assistant Attorney General
3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
If needed.
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
Thursday, May 27, 2010 @ 11:00 a.m.
1. VOTES/SIGNATURES
Fire Truck Grant commitment for Town 5% contribution
2. APPOINTMENTS
Belding Park View with Park Commissioner, Highway Super, Town Counsel and Assistant Attorney General
3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
If needed.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Exhibit Opening Thursday
World War II Veterans Voices, an exhibit produced by Jacqueline Cooper, opens Thursday evening at the Senior Center, 7 Main Street, in Shelburne Falls. A preview from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, will feature signing of the the exhibit prints by local veterans, 1940's music, and refreshments.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Town Hall Bulletin Board
Board of Assessors Tue. 5/25 @ 7pm
Park Commission Tue. 5/25 @ 9am
Conservation Commission Wed. 5/26 @ 7:30pm
Select Board Thu. 5/27 @ 11 am
Park Commission Thu. 5/27 @ 11 am
Historical Commission Thu. 5/27 @ 7:30pm
Senior Citizen Task Force, Thu. 5/27 @ 4pm
Board of Health, Tue. 6/1 @ 7pm, public hearing,
Private Well Regulations Updated
Select Board Wed. 6/2 @ 7pm
Ashfield History Project, Wed. 6/2 @ 7pm
Planning Board Wed. 6/2 @ 7:30pm
Belding Library Trustees Mon. 6/14 @ 7:30pm
Board of Health Tue. 6/15 @ 7pm
Park Commission Tue. 5/25 @ 9am
Conservation Commission Wed. 5/26 @ 7:30pm
Select Board Thu. 5/27 @ 11 am
Park Commission Thu. 5/27 @ 11 am
Historical Commission Thu. 5/27 @ 7:30pm
Senior Citizen Task Force, Thu. 5/27 @ 4pm
Board of Health, Tue. 6/1 @ 7pm, public hearing,
Private Well Regulations Updated
Select Board Wed. 6/2 @ 7pm
Ashfield History Project, Wed. 6/2 @ 7pm
Planning Board Wed. 6/2 @ 7:30pm
Belding Library Trustees Mon. 6/14 @ 7:30pm
Board of Health Tue. 6/15 @ 7pm
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Budget Break for Crowds of Canines
Multiple dog families will get a break from now on if they fail to license their dogs. The Select Board decided Thursday night to cap the amount of fines for failure to license a dog. The previous fine was $35 per dog, with no upper limit. DeHerdt moved to limit those fees to $50 per household.
In making the proposal, DeHerdt acknowledged that the limited hours Town Hall is open make it difficult for many residents to obtain dog licenses or to conduct other town business. He assured townspeople that the board is working to make Town Hall more accessible.
David King
In making the proposal, DeHerdt acknowledged that the limited hours Town Hall is open make it difficult for many residents to obtain dog licenses or to conduct other town business. He assured townspeople that the board is working to make Town Hall more accessible.
David King
A Gift from the Past
Thursday night the Select Board voted to donate to the Hilltown Food Pantry the interest income—about $200-- from several trusts under the control of the town. Over the years, several Ashfield citizens have left bequests to the town for the use of townspeople who have fallen on hard times – often described as “the worthy poor.”
David King
David King
Library Funding Resolved
Thursday night the Select Board, Library Trustees, and Finance Committee finally settled the question of how to fund the library for the coming year.
At annual town meeting, the Select Board’s budget proposed to use $6000 from the library’s revolving fund to cover library expenses. Library Trustees objected that they hadn’t been informed of this proposal ahead of time, that it undermined their own budget figures, and that the balance in the revolving fund was not known with certainty. In the interest of expediency, Select Board member (now Chair) Dave DeHerdt proposed that the $6000 be listed as coming from free cash until the Board and Library Trustees could meet to settle the matter.
The matter is now settled. The Library Trustees and Finance Committee determined that the balance of the revolving fund was large enough to cover the $6000, the expenditure was squared with the library’s budget, and the Select Board voted to draw the $6000 from the library revolving fund rather than free cash.
Deherdt explained that the town maintains several revolving funds, into which income from a town department is placed for the use of that department. Dog licensing fees and fines, for instance, are placed in a revolving fund for use by the Animal Control Officer. Finance Committee member Carl Satterfield of the Finance Committee pointed out that expenditures from the revolving funds are not under the control of the individual departments but must be approved by the town.
After the vote, Library Trustee Bonnie Coleman asked that, in the future, the Select Board inform the Trustees of any changes in their proposed budget before town meeting, so the Trustees would not be caught off guard again. Select Board member Doug Field said that he hoped the current board could keep town departments better informed.
David King
At annual town meeting, the Select Board’s budget proposed to use $6000 from the library’s revolving fund to cover library expenses. Library Trustees objected that they hadn’t been informed of this proposal ahead of time, that it undermined their own budget figures, and that the balance in the revolving fund was not known with certainty. In the interest of expediency, Select Board member (now Chair) Dave DeHerdt proposed that the $6000 be listed as coming from free cash until the Board and Library Trustees could meet to settle the matter.
The matter is now settled. The Library Trustees and Finance Committee determined that the balance of the revolving fund was large enough to cover the $6000, the expenditure was squared with the library’s budget, and the Select Board voted to draw the $6000 from the library revolving fund rather than free cash.
Deherdt explained that the town maintains several revolving funds, into which income from a town department is placed for the use of that department. Dog licensing fees and fines, for instance, are placed in a revolving fund for use by the Animal Control Officer. Finance Committee member Carl Satterfield of the Finance Committee pointed out that expenditures from the revolving funds are not under the control of the individual departments but must be approved by the town.
After the vote, Library Trustee Bonnie Coleman asked that, in the future, the Select Board inform the Trustees of any changes in their proposed budget before town meeting, so the Trustees would not be caught off guard again. Select Board member Doug Field said that he hoped the current board could keep town departments better informed.
David King
Friday, May 21, 2010
Police Chief Search Moves Forward
The Police Chief Search Committee is poised to start the hunt for a new Chief.
In last night’s meeting, the Select Board approved the final wording of the job description, pending input from Interim Chief John Cotton. Once Chief Cotton has reviewed the description, it will be going out on the town website and will be posted to websites for professional police personnel.
Committee member Lenny Roberts recommended that the position remain posted for 30 days. This means the committee could begin reviewing applications as early as June 30.
Though the position has not yet been posted, the committee has already received two applications. They are currently waiting, unopened, in the town safe until all applications have been received.
David King
In last night’s meeting, the Select Board approved the final wording of the job description, pending input from Interim Chief John Cotton. Once Chief Cotton has reviewed the description, it will be going out on the town website and will be posted to websites for professional police personnel.
Committee member Lenny Roberts recommended that the position remain posted for 30 days. This means the committee could begin reviewing applications as early as June 30.
Though the position has not yet been posted, the committee has already received two applications. They are currently waiting, unopened, in the town safe until all applications have been received.
David King
Click It or Ticket
The Ashfield Police Department will participate in the upcoming "Click It or Ticket" campaign. Funding for the patrols is provided by a Highway Safety Grant. Officers will be on patrol looking for infractions of motor vehicle laws, paying special attention to the use of seat belts by everyone in the vehicle.
The grant activity begins May 24, 2010 and runs until June 27, 2010.
I'm asking everyone to use their seat belts and drive safely. Let's get the summer driving season off to a SAFE START.
Chief Cotton
The grant activity begins May 24, 2010 and runs until June 27, 2010.
I'm asking everyone to use their seat belts and drive safely. Let's get the summer driving season off to a SAFE START.
Chief Cotton
Town Hall Security
The town of Ashfield is growing more secure.
During his police liaison report, Select Board Chair Dave DeHerdt said the remaining missing Knox Box key has been located in one of the town’s police cruisers. The key is now in the hands of Emergency Management Director Doug Field, who will pass it on to Fire Chief Del Haskins.
DeHerdt also reported that Chief Cotton has changed the access codes to the police department offices so that each officer has their own code, which can be deleted when that officer leaves town employment. Previously, the department used a single access code known to all current and former police officers.
Another security issue that came up is about wireless access to Town Hall. DeHerdt explained that, several weeks ago, a resident offered the Police Department’s wireless router password to another resident for use during select board meetings. The board, concerned that someone could use the password to hack into the department’s computers, found that the police department does not require wireless internet access and disabled their wireless router.
At last night’s meeting, Paul Swem, the town’s former IT consultant, acknowledged that he was the one who offered the password to the editor of this blog for this reporter’s use. He assured the board that the password would in no way give even a skilled hacker access to the police department computers. He did, however, warn that the town’s computer systems are far from secure. The assessor’s computer, in particular, is still open to access by any current and former members of the Board of Assessors or anyone else with the password or the IP address. Swem encouraged the Select Board to bring in Virginia Wiswell, the town’s current IT consultant, to tighten security.
DeHerdt suggested that the town consider offering wireless access in town hall for use during meetings. Swem pointed out that, since the town’s Verizon account offers unlimited access, it would cost the town nothing. The board agreed to take the matter up in the future.
David King
Editor’s Note: I do not have and have never had any password to any town wireless router or computer. Nor do I have any hacking skills. Ruth Julian
During his police liaison report, Select Board Chair Dave DeHerdt said the remaining missing Knox Box key has been located in one of the town’s police cruisers. The key is now in the hands of Emergency Management Director Doug Field, who will pass it on to Fire Chief Del Haskins.
DeHerdt also reported that Chief Cotton has changed the access codes to the police department offices so that each officer has their own code, which can be deleted when that officer leaves town employment. Previously, the department used a single access code known to all current and former police officers.
Another security issue that came up is about wireless access to Town Hall. DeHerdt explained that, several weeks ago, a resident offered the Police Department’s wireless router password to another resident for use during select board meetings. The board, concerned that someone could use the password to hack into the department’s computers, found that the police department does not require wireless internet access and disabled their wireless router.
At last night’s meeting, Paul Swem, the town’s former IT consultant, acknowledged that he was the one who offered the password to the editor of this blog for this reporter’s use. He assured the board that the password would in no way give even a skilled hacker access to the police department computers. He did, however, warn that the town’s computer systems are far from secure. The assessor’s computer, in particular, is still open to access by any current and former members of the Board of Assessors or anyone else with the password or the IP address. Swem encouraged the Select Board to bring in Virginia Wiswell, the town’s current IT consultant, to tighten security.
DeHerdt suggested that the town consider offering wireless access in town hall for use during meetings. Swem pointed out that, since the town’s Verizon account offers unlimited access, it would cost the town nothing. The board agreed to take the matter up in the future.
David King
Editor’s Note: I do not have and have never had any password to any town wireless router or computer. Nor do I have any hacking skills. Ruth Julian
On the Subject of E-mails
I understand the need to preserve e-mails both past and present. I have many saved e-mails from all my years in Ashfield. Who is going to pay for my time and materials to get this done? This isn't just a click of the mouse, this is going through hundreds of e-mails and picking out the town-related ones and grouping them for transfer to the town. It could take days, never mind hours.
John Svoboda
John Svoboda
Found Keys
Thanks to Chief Cotton for finding the keys exactly where they should have been...on the key rings for each cruiser.
John Svoboda
John Svoboda
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Turn in Your Town Records
If you’ve held an elected or appointed position with the town in recent years, you’ll soon be required to turn in all records, paper and electronic, of town business.
At tonight’s Select Board meeting, Chair Dave DeHerdt said that, in response to some questions at last week’s meeting, he contacted the Massachusetts Division of Public Records (DPR), who cited Massachusetts General Law. MGL Chapter 66, Section 14 states, “Whoever has custody of any public records shall, upon the expiration of his term of office, employment or authority, deliver over to his successor all such records which he is not authorized by law to retain.”
DeHerdt pointed out that this wouldn’t include things like personal notes taken during a meeting, but any letters or e-mails with other town officials or members of the public in which town business was discussed would fall under the statute. The same law also requires that former officials swear an oath that they have delivered all their records.
DeHerdt asked the DPR what would happen if a former official refused to turn in their records. He was told that the Select Board should contact the DPR, who would contact the Attorney General’s office, where the decision as to what to do about it would be made.
DeHerdt said he would ask Town Clerk Maryellen Cranston to start contacting former officials for their records.
David King
At tonight’s Select Board meeting, Chair Dave DeHerdt said that, in response to some questions at last week’s meeting, he contacted the Massachusetts Division of Public Records (DPR), who cited Massachusetts General Law. MGL Chapter 66, Section 14 states, “Whoever has custody of any public records shall, upon the expiration of his term of office, employment or authority, deliver over to his successor all such records which he is not authorized by law to retain.”
DeHerdt pointed out that this wouldn’t include things like personal notes taken during a meeting, but any letters or e-mails with other town officials or members of the public in which town business was discussed would fall under the statute. The same law also requires that former officials swear an oath that they have delivered all their records.
DeHerdt asked the DPR what would happen if a former official refused to turn in their records. He was told that the Select Board should contact the DPR, who would contact the Attorney General’s office, where the decision as to what to do about it would be made.
DeHerdt said he would ask Town Clerk Maryellen Cranston to start contacting former officials for their records.
David King
Missing Keys Found
Emergency Management Director Doug Field reports that the Knox box keys have been found and are in his possession. He will notify the Knox Box Company and the Fire Chief and do what they suggest to do with them.
Tonight's Select Board Meeting Agenda
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
May 20, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from May 10, 2010 – open session
Minutes from May 10, 2010 – executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
Library Trustees & Finance Committee (7:15)
Police Chief Search Committee (8:00)
3. LIAISON REPORTS
Emergency Services
Highway Department
Emergency Manager
Town Administrative Offices
Town Hall Committee
Police Chief Search Committee
Other Boards & Committees
Franklin Regional Council of Governments
4. OLD BUSINESS
Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
Town Website review
Computer Security
Public Record emails
Fuel Bids
5. MAIL
General Mail
6. NEW BUSINESS
Trust Interest Distribution
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
Street Lights
Trust Interest Distribution
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
This Weekend - Town Warrants
Thursday, May 27 @ 7:00 p.m.- Select Board Mtg
Wednesday, June 2 @ 7:00 p.m. – Select Board Mtg
9. PUBLIC FORUM
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
May 20, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from May 10, 2010 – open session
Minutes from May 10, 2010 – executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
Library Trustees & Finance Committee (7:15)
Police Chief Search Committee (8:00)
3. LIAISON REPORTS
Emergency Services
Highway Department
Emergency Manager
Town Administrative Offices
Town Hall Committee
Police Chief Search Committee
Other Boards & Committees
Franklin Regional Council of Governments
4. OLD BUSINESS
Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
Town Website review
Computer Security
Public Record emails
Fuel Bids
5. MAIL
General Mail
6. NEW BUSINESS
Trust Interest Distribution
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
Street Lights
Trust Interest Distribution
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
This Weekend - Town Warrants
Thursday, May 27 @ 7:00 p.m.- Select Board Mtg
Wednesday, June 2 @ 7:00 p.m. – Select Board Mtg
9. PUBLIC FORUM
Berkshire Trading Open for the Season
Berkshire Trading on 30 Smith Rd will be reopening this weekend through the Fall. Our hours will be 11-4 on Friday and Saturday and 12-4 on Sundays. Please feel free to call 628-4685 to see if we are available during the week, or just stop by as I am usually gardening, chair caning, basket making or chasing my mischievous pups around.
Our inventory includes antique furniture, lighting, willow ware, pottery, baskets and other small items. Never know just what you might find. Please come browse and stop to smell the flowers.
Karen Sullivan
Our inventory includes antique furniture, lighting, willow ware, pottery, baskets and other small items. Never know just what you might find. Please come browse and stop to smell the flowers.
Karen Sullivan
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Your Very Own Street Light
If anyone is interested in maintaining their street light that will be turned off on July 1, WMECO does have a program that will allow a resident to continue with a street light. If you are interested, you will not be able to continue using the public pole that the street light currently sits on. A seperate pole would be placed on your property and you would be responsible for paying the monthly cost of the street light.
Contact me at 628-4441 x 5 if you would like more information.
Maryellen Cranston
Contact me at 628-4441 x 5 if you would like more information.
Maryellen Cranston
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Curmudgeon Files #3
Certainly, the older folk among us remember seeing Oscar Levant in several of the fluff, Hollywood musicals of the 40s and 50s. Born December 27, 1909, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, he was a brilliant classical pianist and composer; an acerbic, dead-pan comedian; and self-proclaimed, neurotic. “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity,” he once remarked. “I have erased that line.” He claimed to have once been thrown out of a mental institution because he depressed the other patients.
Self-critical to a fault, he said of himself: “I’m a controversial figure. My friends either dislike me or hate me.” When asked what he did for exercise, Levant replied: “I stumble, then fall into a coma.”
Among his favorite targets were politics and politicians. “The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans,” he once observed, “is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.” When asked about a certain politician, he replied: “He’ll doublecross that bridge when he comes to it.”
Concerning the film industry, that which made him a star, he commented : “Behind the phony tinsel of Hollywood lies the real tinsel”. And during the conversation, the subject of a popular leading lady came up -- a young starlet who the film studio was promoting as the all American, bring-home-to-mother type of girl. “I knew her before she was a virgin,” Levant boasted cynically.
Oscar Levant died August 17, 1972, in Beverly Hills, California.
Ray Cassidy
Self-critical to a fault, he said of himself: “I’m a controversial figure. My friends either dislike me or hate me.” When asked what he did for exercise, Levant replied: “I stumble, then fall into a coma.”
Among his favorite targets were politics and politicians. “The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans,” he once observed, “is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.” When asked about a certain politician, he replied: “He’ll doublecross that bridge when he comes to it.”
Concerning the film industry, that which made him a star, he commented : “Behind the phony tinsel of Hollywood lies the real tinsel”. And during the conversation, the subject of a popular leading lady came up -- a young starlet who the film studio was promoting as the all American, bring-home-to-mother type of girl. “I knew her before she was a virgin,” Levant boasted cynically.
Oscar Levant died August 17, 1972, in Beverly Hills, California.
Ray Cassidy
Town Hall Bulletin Board
Town Hall Building Committee, Mon 5/17 @ 7pm
Planning Board, Wed 5/19 @ 7:30pm (public hearing)
Select Board, Thu 5/20 @ 10am (exec session)
Select Board, Thu 5/20 @ 7pm (Finance Committe and Library Trustees)
Park Commission, Tue 5/25 @ 9am
Board of Health, Tue 6/15 @ 7pm
Planning Board, Wed 5/19 @ 7:30pm (public hearing)
Select Board, Thu 5/20 @ 10am (exec session)
Select Board, Thu 5/20 @ 7pm (Finance Committe and Library Trustees)
Park Commission, Tue 5/25 @ 9am
Board of Health, Tue 6/15 @ 7pm
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Never-Canned Tuna Salad
My mother’s tuna salad consisted of a can of tuna packed in some undifferentiated oil, drained and flaked, then mixed with an appropriate quantity of Miracle Whip and some rubbery diced celery from the bunch always kept at the back of the vegetable crisper. It was used for sandwiches on days when there was nothing better to eat. It’s never been difficult to do better.
I discovered long ago that tuna packed in water was too dry and lifeless to bother with, so I switched to tuna packed in olive oil. In recent years though, I’ve found the harsh oil used for tuna packing is a bit difficult to digest, so, after a long tuna fast, I’ve moved on to the surprising convenience and remarkable taste of frozen fresh tuna.
We buy great quantities of very fresh fish at Northshore Seafood on King Street in Northampton. If you call ahead, you can schedule your visit for a day when the fish is fresh from the sea and was bought in a Boston market at the crack of dawn. The tuna steaks go into our freezer individually wrapped, each one to appear as needed for Never-Canned Tuna Salad.
This is almost as easy as canned: Defrost a tuna steak in the microwave in a loosely covered glass container. When thawed, cook in the same container for one and a half to two minutes on high, depending on the size of the steak. Flake the tuna with any juices that have escaped while cooking. Pop in the freezer if you’re in a hurry.
While the fish cools, mix the dressing. I use a more-or-less equal mix of whole milk yogurt and mayonnaise. (The exact proportion depends on how virtuous I‘m feeling.) To this I add salt and pepper and a dash of balsamic vinegar. The quantity of dressing depends on how large the tuna steak is, but don’t worry about making too much. Leftover dressing is fine for dipping veg or perking up any vegetable or fruit salad.
I can’t eat raw vegetables, but, if I could, I’d add anything I have around or fresh in the garden. In winter, diced apples would be nice. Definitely no rubbery celery.
Mix it all up and let it sit for at least a half an hour in the refrigerator. Then make sandwiches or serve in a heap with warm and crusty bread on the side.
Ruth Julian
I discovered long ago that tuna packed in water was too dry and lifeless to bother with, so I switched to tuna packed in olive oil. In recent years though, I’ve found the harsh oil used for tuna packing is a bit difficult to digest, so, after a long tuna fast, I’ve moved on to the surprising convenience and remarkable taste of frozen fresh tuna.
We buy great quantities of very fresh fish at Northshore Seafood on King Street in Northampton. If you call ahead, you can schedule your visit for a day when the fish is fresh from the sea and was bought in a Boston market at the crack of dawn. The tuna steaks go into our freezer individually wrapped, each one to appear as needed for Never-Canned Tuna Salad.
This is almost as easy as canned: Defrost a tuna steak in the microwave in a loosely covered glass container. When thawed, cook in the same container for one and a half to two minutes on high, depending on the size of the steak. Flake the tuna with any juices that have escaped while cooking. Pop in the freezer if you’re in a hurry.
While the fish cools, mix the dressing. I use a more-or-less equal mix of whole milk yogurt and mayonnaise. (The exact proportion depends on how virtuous I‘m feeling.) To this I add salt and pepper and a dash of balsamic vinegar. The quantity of dressing depends on how large the tuna steak is, but don’t worry about making too much. Leftover dressing is fine for dipping veg or perking up any vegetable or fruit salad.
I can’t eat raw vegetables, but, if I could, I’d add anything I have around or fresh in the garden. In winter, diced apples would be nice. Definitely no rubbery celery.
Mix it all up and let it sit for at least a half an hour in the refrigerator. Then make sandwiches or serve in a heap with warm and crusty bread on the side.
Ruth Julian
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Taste Training
My father started kids on Elmer’s famous cheese before they could walk. A baby carried by its mother would be offered a crumb off the flat of the big cheese knife. When they could walk, they would go right past the large candy and gum displays to get a bit of that cheddar fresh cut from the big wheel.
Don Lesure
Don Lesure
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Re: Missing Keys
Both keys were accounted for when I was chief--I had one and Sgt. Nunez had one. When I left, all my keys were turned in and accounted for, including the knox box key. What happened to it after that only the people running the department at that time know. I'm sure Chief Cotton will be able to locate them. I have a knox box on my house and I will be asking Chief Haskins to come open mine to remove my house keys until they find the missing ones.
John Svoboda
John Svoboda
Important Keys Missing
Select Board member and former Fire Chief Doug Field expressed concern at last night’s meeting that two important keys have gone missing. The keys fit the town’s Knox Boxes.
According to Wikipedia, a Knox Box is “a small, wall-mounted safe that holds building keys for firefighters and EMTs to retrieve in emergencies.” The boxes are mounted on the outside of a home or place of business. All of the town’s Knox Boxes can be opened by a single master key in the possession of the Fire Department.
Field reported that, some years ago, then Police Chief John Svoboda asked for two copies of the master key for use by the Police Department. Field reported that those keys are now unaccounted for.
Police Liaison Dave DeHerdt said he will ask Chief Cotton to track down the keys. Field said that, if the keys are not located, the town will have to change the Knox Box locks.
David King
According to Wikipedia, a Knox Box is “a small, wall-mounted safe that holds building keys for firefighters and EMTs to retrieve in emergencies.” The boxes are mounted on the outside of a home or place of business. All of the town’s Knox Boxes can be opened by a single master key in the possession of the Fire Department.
Field reported that, some years ago, then Police Chief John Svoboda asked for two copies of the master key for use by the Police Department. Field reported that those keys are now unaccounted for.
Police Liaison Dave DeHerdt said he will ask Chief Cotton to track down the keys. Field said that, if the keys are not located, the town will have to change the Knox Box locks.
David King
New Select Board Gets Busy
With a full three members for the first time since Tom Ulrich resigned in February, the Select Board got down to business last night.
First, the board reorganized, electing Dave DeHerdt, the only returning member from last year’s board, as chair. They then chose which of them would represent the board with various town departments. Member Norm Russell will be liaison to Town Hall and the Town Hall Building Committee. Member Doug Field will work with the Highway Department and town committees and boards. DeHerdt will liaise with Emergency Services (the Police and Fire Departments) and the FRCOG.
The Police Chief Search Committee required a little shuffling. Field is currently its chairman and will be resigning that position, but will remain on the committee as the Select Board’s representative. He said he will not take part in the initial review of candidates for the chief’s position, but will only review the final four candidates recommended by the committee. DeHerdt, who was the former Select Board’s representative to the committee, resigned from that position.
The newly reorganized Select Board’s first vote was to sign the contract for another year’s liability and workman’s compensation insurance. At Town Meeting, the town voted for an anticipated increase of about 14% in light of the litigation the town currently faces. But the premiums rose only 3 ½ % for the coming year, a savings of a little less than $3000. There was some discussion of putting the insurance out to bid to try to find a better price, but DeHerdt pointed out the risk that a new insurer might not cover the lawsuits currently pending against the town.
The board also set e-mail policy. All town officials are to be asked to send copies of any e-mails relating to town business to Town Clerk Maryellen Cranston by June 30. The e-mails should be either on paper or in PDF format.
While the board will be holding its next regular meeting next Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m., before its budgetary meeting with the Finance Committee, future meetings will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.
DeHerdt said the May 20, 10 a.m. meeting will be open only long enough to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation.
David King
First, the board reorganized, electing Dave DeHerdt, the only returning member from last year’s board, as chair. They then chose which of them would represent the board with various town departments. Member Norm Russell will be liaison to Town Hall and the Town Hall Building Committee. Member Doug Field will work with the Highway Department and town committees and boards. DeHerdt will liaise with Emergency Services (the Police and Fire Departments) and the FRCOG.
The Police Chief Search Committee required a little shuffling. Field is currently its chairman and will be resigning that position, but will remain on the committee as the Select Board’s representative. He said he will not take part in the initial review of candidates for the chief’s position, but will only review the final four candidates recommended by the committee. DeHerdt, who was the former Select Board’s representative to the committee, resigned from that position.
The newly reorganized Select Board’s first vote was to sign the contract for another year’s liability and workman’s compensation insurance. At Town Meeting, the town voted for an anticipated increase of about 14% in light of the litigation the town currently faces. But the premiums rose only 3 ½ % for the coming year, a savings of a little less than $3000. There was some discussion of putting the insurance out to bid to try to find a better price, but DeHerdt pointed out the risk that a new insurer might not cover the lawsuits currently pending against the town.
The board also set e-mail policy. All town officials are to be asked to send copies of any e-mails relating to town business to Town Clerk Maryellen Cranston by June 30. The e-mails should be either on paper or in PDF format.
While the board will be holding its next regular meeting next Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m., before its budgetary meeting with the Finance Committee, future meetings will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.
DeHerdt said the May 20, 10 a.m. meeting will be open only long enough to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation.
David King
Monday, May 10, 2010
New Selectboard Meeting Tonight
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
May 10, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 28 – open session
Minutes from May 5 – open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. End of FY email to Public Records Officer
b Personal Committee
c. Town Website review
5. MAIL
a. General Mail
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Reorganization
1. Election of Chairperson
2. Town Department Liaison Appointments
3. Police Chief Search Committee (RDD resignation)
4. Town Hall Building Committee Liaison Appointment
5. FRCOG representative
b. Future Meeting Schedule
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
a. May 20, 2010 10:00 am Open/Executive Session
b. May 20, 2010 7:30 pm Joint meeting with Finance
9. PUBLIC FORUM
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
May 10, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Apr 28 – open session
Minutes from May 5 – open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. End of FY email to Public Records Officer
b Personal Committee
c. Town Website review
5. MAIL
a. General Mail
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Reorganization
1. Election of Chairperson
2. Town Department Liaison Appointments
3. Police Chief Search Committee (RDD resignation)
4. Town Hall Building Committee Liaison Appointment
5. FRCOG representative
b. Future Meeting Schedule
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Regional Health Inspection Professional Services Agreement
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
a. May 20, 2010 10:00 am Open/Executive Session
b. May 20, 2010 7:30 pm Joint meeting with Finance
9. PUBLIC FORUM
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Concert with Jam
Saturday May 15th at 7:00 at Ricki & Jamie's, 292 Main Street, Val Mindel, Emmy Miller and Jessy Milnes will present a short concert with an open jam afterwards. We have done this for the past 3 years and it has been loads of fun.
Val has played with a number of bands including the West Coast's 'Any Old Time String Band' and has sung with her daughter Emmy all of Emmy's life. Emmy and Jessy are part of the 'Sweetback Sisters' and have played on the 'Mountain Stage' as well as on 'A Prairie Home Companion'.
This jam is part of a weekend workshop that these three talented musicians will be teaching here Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night will be open to the public. There is a suggested $10.00 donation to the musicians and an RSVP is required due to space.
If you have an instrument, bring it and, if not, just come and enjoy. This event is one that will put a smile on your face and create a fun-tastic community evening!
Please RSVP to: Ricki Carroll, 292 Main Street, Ashfield, 628-4568
Val has played with a number of bands including the West Coast's 'Any Old Time String Band' and has sung with her daughter Emmy all of Emmy's life. Emmy and Jessy are part of the 'Sweetback Sisters' and have played on the 'Mountain Stage' as well as on 'A Prairie Home Companion'.
This jam is part of a weekend workshop that these three talented musicians will be teaching here Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night will be open to the public. There is a suggested $10.00 donation to the musicians and an RSVP is required due to space.
If you have an instrument, bring it and, if not, just come and enjoy. This event is one that will put a smile on your face and create a fun-tastic community evening!
Please RSVP to: Ricki Carroll, 292 Main Street, Ashfield, 628-4568
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
A New Beginning
In a brief ceremony in the basement of town hall this morning, new members Doug Field and Norm Russell took their places on the Select Board. The third member, Dave DeHerdt, was not present.
Town Clerk Maryellen Cranston first administered the oath of office. She then told Russell how to receive the ethics training required of all town officials. (Field, as the former Fire Chief and current Emergency Management Director, has already received the training). She then explained the process by which the board authorized payment of town payroll and bills through the signing of bi-weekly warrants.
The board then discussed what day of the week they will meet. While not finalized, they agreed that Monday or Tuesday will be best.
The full board will meet next on Monday, May 10, at 7 p.m.
David King
Town Clerk Maryellen Cranston first administered the oath of office. She then told Russell how to receive the ethics training required of all town officials. (Field, as the former Fire Chief and current Emergency Management Director, has already received the training). She then explained the process by which the board authorized payment of town payroll and bills through the signing of bi-weekly warrants.
The board then discussed what day of the week they will meet. While not finalized, they agreed that Monday or Tuesday will be best.
The full board will meet next on Monday, May 10, at 7 p.m.
David King
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Town Hall Bulletin Board
Board of Health, Tue 5/4, 7pm
Sewer Commission, Tue 5/4, 6pm
Select Board, Wed 5/5, 11am
Ashfield History Project, Wed 5/5, 7pm
Planning Board, Wed 5/5, 7:30pm
Police Chief Search Committee, Thu 5/6, 7pm
Select Board, Mon 5/10, 7pm
Board of Assessors, Tue 5/11, 7pm
Ag Commission, Tue 5/11, 8pm
Conservation Commission, Wed 5/12, 7:30pm
Planning Board Hearing, Wed 5/19, 7:30pm
Park Commission, Tue 5/25, 9am
Board of Health Hearing, Tue 6/1, 7pm
Sewer Commission, Tue 5/4, 6pm
Select Board, Wed 5/5, 11am
Ashfield History Project, Wed 5/5, 7pm
Planning Board, Wed 5/5, 7:30pm
Police Chief Search Committee, Thu 5/6, 7pm
Select Board, Mon 5/10, 7pm
Board of Assessors, Tue 5/11, 7pm
Ag Commission, Tue 5/11, 8pm
Conservation Commission, Wed 5/12, 7:30pm
Planning Board Hearing, Wed 5/19, 7:30pm
Park Commission, Tue 5/25, 9am
Board of Health Hearing, Tue 6/1, 7pm
Monday, May 3, 2010
Village Going Dark
Because of budget constraints, the Ashfield Town Meeting voted on May 1, 2010 to no longer pay for town operated street lights. As of July 1, 2010, all street lights operated by the Town of Ashfield will be turned off.
It was announced at the Meeting that residents had the option to personally pay for street lights. That option has been discontinued by WMECO.
Please contact me with any questions.
Maryellen Cranston
Town Administrator
It was announced at the Meeting that residents had the option to personally pay for street lights. That option has been discontinued by WMECO.
Please contact me with any questions.
Maryellen Cranston
Town Administrator
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Annual Town Meeting 2010
For the past few months, the Select Board and Finance Committee have fought to bring town costs under control. On Saturday, the town agreed with them.
The $3.85 million dollar budget the Select Board brought to the meeting passed essentially unchanged, even though it cut two positions from the town payroll – one each from the highway and police departments.
In introducing the budget, Select Board Chair Ted Murray said, “We are now at a point where we can no longer pay for the level of services to which we’ve been accustomed. . . . It’s not a question of what we want, it’s a question of what we can afford.” Murray went on to cite elements that are beyond town control, such as rising vocational school tuition and cuts in state funding.
In a show of solidarity with the employees who are asked to make sacrifices, the Select Board proposed in Article 3 that all elected town officials will forgo their stipends this year. A floor amendment by resident Mike Fitzgerald added to the article the town’s grateful acknowledgement for the sacrifice and a request that these stipends be reinstituted next year.
The only substantial challenge to the budget was an amendment by resident Bill Perlman to reduce the proposed Police Chief’s position to part time, reduce police operating expenses, and reinstitute the sergeant’s position, which was cut from the budget. After a prolonged but civil discussion, the amendment was defeated by a voice vote.
The town agreed to increase only one budget line item, reinstating $2600 for uniforms for the Highway Department. When some voters asked why the department employees couldn’t purchase and launder their own uniforms, department employee Curt Pichette pointed out that the grease and tar encountered by the Highway Department would destroy a normal washing machine. Finance Committee member Tom Carter also reminded the town that the uniform service was established for the Highway Department years ago in lieu of a cost of living raise.
The town also passed – both on the floor and at the ballot box – the measures necessary for a Proposition 2 ½ override to purchase a new truck for the Highway Department. At an estimated cost of $145,000, the new truck will replace a 20-year-old vehicle now in need of extensive maintenance. While final figures are not available, Carter estimated that the truck will add about 12 cents/thousand to the tax rate.
In non-budget news, the town defeated a proposal by the Mohawk Regional School District to create a school stabilization fund for capital expenditures, a measure that both the Select Board and the Finance Committee recommended against. Murray, while supporting stabilization funds in general, raised questions on how this one would be administered. Finance Committee Member Carl Satterfield expressed concern that, since funding of the school stabilization fund will be integrated into the school budget, the town might be forced to fund the school’s fund when it cannot fund its own.
The town also approved a measure to allow a member of the Select Board to serve as Emergency Management Director and another granting the Board of Health the authority to fine contractors who drill unsafe wells. Just before town meeting wrapped up after 5PM, the town passed an article authorizing the town to enter into discussions with other regional towns toward establishing a communication system to provide broadband services.
In the end, despite increases in school expenses and cuts in state funding, the budget approved yesterday came in at about $50,000 less than the amount spent in the past year. Though final figures are not yet available, residents will not see a savings on their tax rate and may see a slight increase. This is due to a reduction of other funding sources, primarily state funding.
David King
The $3.85 million dollar budget the Select Board brought to the meeting passed essentially unchanged, even though it cut two positions from the town payroll – one each from the highway and police departments.
In introducing the budget, Select Board Chair Ted Murray said, “We are now at a point where we can no longer pay for the level of services to which we’ve been accustomed. . . . It’s not a question of what we want, it’s a question of what we can afford.” Murray went on to cite elements that are beyond town control, such as rising vocational school tuition and cuts in state funding.
In a show of solidarity with the employees who are asked to make sacrifices, the Select Board proposed in Article 3 that all elected town officials will forgo their stipends this year. A floor amendment by resident Mike Fitzgerald added to the article the town’s grateful acknowledgement for the sacrifice and a request that these stipends be reinstituted next year.
The only substantial challenge to the budget was an amendment by resident Bill Perlman to reduce the proposed Police Chief’s position to part time, reduce police operating expenses, and reinstitute the sergeant’s position, which was cut from the budget. After a prolonged but civil discussion, the amendment was defeated by a voice vote.
The town agreed to increase only one budget line item, reinstating $2600 for uniforms for the Highway Department. When some voters asked why the department employees couldn’t purchase and launder their own uniforms, department employee Curt Pichette pointed out that the grease and tar encountered by the Highway Department would destroy a normal washing machine. Finance Committee member Tom Carter also reminded the town that the uniform service was established for the Highway Department years ago in lieu of a cost of living raise.
The town also passed – both on the floor and at the ballot box – the measures necessary for a Proposition 2 ½ override to purchase a new truck for the Highway Department. At an estimated cost of $145,000, the new truck will replace a 20-year-old vehicle now in need of extensive maintenance. While final figures are not available, Carter estimated that the truck will add about 12 cents/thousand to the tax rate.
In non-budget news, the town defeated a proposal by the Mohawk Regional School District to create a school stabilization fund for capital expenditures, a measure that both the Select Board and the Finance Committee recommended against. Murray, while supporting stabilization funds in general, raised questions on how this one would be administered. Finance Committee Member Carl Satterfield expressed concern that, since funding of the school stabilization fund will be integrated into the school budget, the town might be forced to fund the school’s fund when it cannot fund its own.
The town also approved a measure to allow a member of the Select Board to serve as Emergency Management Director and another granting the Board of Health the authority to fine contractors who drill unsafe wells. Just before town meeting wrapped up after 5PM, the town passed an article authorizing the town to enter into discussions with other regional towns toward establishing a communication system to provide broadband services.
In the end, despite increases in school expenses and cuts in state funding, the budget approved yesterday came in at about $50,000 less than the amount spent in the past year. Though final figures are not yet available, residents will not see a savings on their tax rate and may see a slight increase. This is due to a reduction of other funding sources, primarily state funding.
David King
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Town Meeting Election Results
Moderator (1 year term)
Stewart Eisenberg (caucus nominee): 296
Karen Sullivan (caucus nominee): 145
Tree Warden (1 year term)
Robert Abbatiello (caucus nominee): 121
Thomas Poissant (caucus nominee): 318
Select Board (3 year term)
Douglas M. Field (caucus nominee): 354
Tom Carter (write-in): 2
Bill Perlman (write-in): 2
Select Board (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Norman L. Russell: 360
Tom Carter (write-in): 1
Bill Perlman (write-in): 1
Assessor (3 year term)
Wayne Gardner (caucus nominee): 162
Sandra Lilly (caucus nominee): 260
Assessor (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Mary Quigley (caucus nominee): 390
Finance Committee (3 year term)
Janet Rogers (caucus nominee): 335
Mary Link (write-in): 18
Mary Quigley (write-in): 1
Finance Committee (3 year term)
Edwin A. Murray, Jr. (caucus nominee): 370
Finance Committee (to fill an unexpired 1 year term)
Priscilla Phelps (caucus nominee): 135
Lynn Taylor (caucus nominee): 252
School Committee (3 year term)
Faye Whitney-Lussier (nomination papers): 358
School Committee (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Emily Robertson (caucus nominee): 359
Valerie Shippee (write-in): 1
Board of Health (3 year term)
Joanne Ostrowski (caucus nominee): 364
Constable (3 year term)
Elizabeth G. Lesure (caucus nominee): 374
Constable (3 year term)
John A. LaBelle (caucus nominee): 376
Park Commissioner (3 year term)
Nina Coler (caucus nominee): 377
Jeff Dyer (write-in): 1
Sewer Commissioner (3 year term)
Mary Fitz-Gibbon (caucus nominee): 371
Jeff Dyer (write-in): 1
Planning Board (5 year term)
Alan Rice (caucus nominee): 346
Stuart Harris (write-in): 1
Library Trustee (5 year term)
David King (caucus nominee): 185
Barbara Sussbauer (nomination papers): 235
Debt Exclusion Over-ride
Yes: 233
No: 183
Total Votes Cast: 454
Number of Registered Voters: 1281
Stewart Eisenberg (caucus nominee): 296
Karen Sullivan (caucus nominee): 145
Tree Warden (1 year term)
Robert Abbatiello (caucus nominee): 121
Thomas Poissant (caucus nominee): 318
Select Board (3 year term)
Douglas M. Field (caucus nominee): 354
Tom Carter (write-in): 2
Bill Perlman (write-in): 2
Select Board (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Norman L. Russell: 360
Tom Carter (write-in): 1
Bill Perlman (write-in): 1
Assessor (3 year term)
Wayne Gardner (caucus nominee): 162
Sandra Lilly (caucus nominee): 260
Assessor (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Mary Quigley (caucus nominee): 390
Finance Committee (3 year term)
Janet Rogers (caucus nominee): 335
Mary Link (write-in): 18
Mary Quigley (write-in): 1
Finance Committee (3 year term)
Edwin A. Murray, Jr. (caucus nominee): 370
Finance Committee (to fill an unexpired 1 year term)
Priscilla Phelps (caucus nominee): 135
Lynn Taylor (caucus nominee): 252
School Committee (3 year term)
Faye Whitney-Lussier (nomination papers): 358
School Committee (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Emily Robertson (caucus nominee): 359
Valerie Shippee (write-in): 1
Board of Health (3 year term)
Joanne Ostrowski (caucus nominee): 364
Constable (3 year term)
Elizabeth G. Lesure (caucus nominee): 374
Constable (3 year term)
John A. LaBelle (caucus nominee): 376
Park Commissioner (3 year term)
Nina Coler (caucus nominee): 377
Jeff Dyer (write-in): 1
Sewer Commissioner (3 year term)
Mary Fitz-Gibbon (caucus nominee): 371
Jeff Dyer (write-in): 1
Planning Board (5 year term)
Alan Rice (caucus nominee): 346
Stuart Harris (write-in): 1
Library Trustee (5 year term)
David King (caucus nominee): 185
Barbara Sussbauer (nomination papers): 235
Debt Exclusion Over-ride
Yes: 233
No: 183
Total Votes Cast: 454
Number of Registered Voters: 1281
Breaking News from Town Meeting
The amendment to Article 11 that has generated some discussion here has failed. Proposed by Bill Perlman, the amendment would have reduced the police chief’s salary by $24,000, reduced the police expenses line item by $6,000, and re-instated the police sergeant’s salary at $30,000.
After a civil discussion that lasted about an hour, the amendment failed by a voice vote. The police budget, as presented on the warrant article and recommended by a majority of the Finance Committee, eliminates the sergeant’s position in an effort to cut costs. The unamended article passed by a voice vote just before the lunch break.
Ruth Julian
After a civil discussion that lasted about an hour, the amendment failed by a voice vote. The police budget, as presented on the warrant article and recommended by a majority of the Finance Committee, eliminates the sergeant’s position in an effort to cut costs. The unamended article passed by a voice vote just before the lunch break.
Ruth Julian
Town Meeting and Election Today! Sanderson Academy--10 a.m.
The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.
Hubert H. Humphrey
Hubert H. Humphrey
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