Immediate Opening for Public Safety Dispatcher

Ashby Police Department has an Immediate Opening for a Full Time Public Safety Dispatcher. $17.43 per hour. Follow link for more information. http://bit.ly/2hYob0g

Christmas Concert Postponed

The 3rd Annual Christmas Concert scheduled for Saturday evening at Ashby Elementary School has been postponed to Sunday, 12/18/16 at 6:00 pm at the same location.

3rd Annual Ashby Holiday Christmas Concert

The Ashby Concert Band Will Hold the 3rd Annual Holiday Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 17th at 7:30 pm in Ashby Elementary School. They Will be Joined by the New Players Theatre Guild Festival Singers. Admission is free. This is a great concert not to be missed!

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, December. 4th

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on the Town Common at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 4^th. 

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting November 30, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

November 30, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

4.      Request for Selectmen’s Authorization to have Jennifer Collins as Selectmen’s Representative for Liquor License Electronic Reporting to ABCC

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Votes on 2017 Liquor License Renewals (Public Input Accepted)

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Review of Ambulance Receivable Contractual Write-offs and to Note in Minutes the Amounts for September, 2015 through August, 2016 (Town Accountant)

7.      Discussion re:  Recycling Center & Transfer Station Fee Schedule Changes (John Pankosky, Solid Waste Department Superintendent)

8.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

9.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

Truck Driver Laborer Job Opening

The Ashby Highway Department is seeking  Applications for a Truck Driver Laborer

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting November 16, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

November 16, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

4.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Police Union Contract

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Thomas Dorward as Keeper of the Town Clock, Effective Immediately

6.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

7.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

8.      Public Comments (if any)

Last Day for Early Voting & Absentee Ballots

The last day for early voting in Ashby is Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 8:00 to noon at the Town Clerk's office, 895 Main St.

Absentee ballots will be available until until noon, Monday, November 7, 2016 in the Town Clerk's office.

The election will be on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at Ashby Elementary School.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting, Nov. 2, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

November 2, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

  

2.      Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes

  

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

  

4.      7:15 p.m. – Tax Classification Hearing (Assessors)

  

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval for a transfer from CAMA to IASWorld\Tyler Technology for the Board of Assessors

  

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Easement Papers for the Water Line

  

7.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

8.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

  

9.      Public Comments (if any)

10.  Adjourn

Fire Department Open House, Saturday, 10/22/16, from 10:00 - 2:00

Open House at the Fire Station this Saturday, October 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Come join the Department after Town Meeting.  There will be children's activities, fire safety demonstrations, touch a truck, food and refreshments.  Their guest will be Smokey the Bear – come and enjoy the fun!

Special Town Meeting Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 9:30 am

Special Town Meeting October 22, 2016 at 9:30 am in Ashby Elementary. Warrant

Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen (i) to enter into an agreement for “payments in lieu of taxes” pursuant to M.G.L. c. 59, s. 38H(b), or any other enabling authority, for personal property taxes attributable to a solar photovoltaic energy facility to be installed on certain property located in the Town of Ashby and shown on Assessor’s Map 8 as Lots 57 and 57A, for a term of years and on such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen deems in the best interests of the Town, and (ii) to take all actions necessary or appropriate to administer and implement such agreement; or take any other action relative thereto.

Brief Explanation: The intent of a PILOT (“Payment in Lieu of Taxes”) Agreement is to assure that the Town will receive an established and dependable annual return from personal property taxes relative to a particular enterprise, irrespective of potential fluctuations in the personal property rate or the condition or productivity of the personal property involved. The PILOT agreement does not include any consideration for real estate taxes, which will be handled in the usual manner.

Article 2. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to transfer from “Fire Chief Salary” account to “EMT Wages” account; or take any other action relative thereto.

Brief Explanation: There is an excess in the Fire Chief Salary account and a deficiency in the EMT Wages account. The transfer will forestall a shortfall in the wages account.

Article 3. To see if the Town will approve the $60,000 borrowing authorized by the North Middlesex Regional School District, for the purpose of paying costs of a feasibility study/schematic design for a window and door replacement project at the Hawthorne Brook Middle School, 64 Brookline St, Townsend, MA 01469, including all costs incidental and related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the District has applied for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of the School Building Committee. The MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any Project costs the District incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the District; provided further, that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the District and the MSBA; or take any other action relative thereto.

Country Auction to Benefit Ashby 250th Celebration Committee

Country Auction, September 10th at 4:00 pm, On the Common by Ashby 250th Celebration Committee.

Furniture, pottery, glassware, 10,000 baseball cards, prints, paintings, books, tools, lighting, fishing gear, sporting ephemera, automotive, Annalee dolls, household goods, quilts, linens, fabric, and much more. Preview 10:00 - 4:00.

HCB 7th Annual Car Show for Veterans

HCB 7th Annual Car Show for Veterans is on Sunday, September 4th at Allen Field, West Rd., Ashby, MA. Fun, food and music all day! $2 donation for spectators. $15/20 registration to show your vehicle. Gates open at 7:30 am. Rain date September 5th

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting June 1, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA June 1, 2016
1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Northeast Municipal Gas Pipeline Coalition Update
3. Selectmen Approve Minutes of Prior Meeting(s)
4. Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants
5. Selectmen accept partial settlement and issue full release on CDBG loan for 1009 Jones Hill Road 6. Selectmen formalize details regarding the position of Fire Chief, in preparation for new appointment: • Term of appointment • Job Description • EMT Certification • Any Other Consideration(s)
7. Selectmen act on Right of First Refusal notification resulting from proposed removal of the parcel shown on Assessor’s Map 8 as Lot 57, now or formerly the property of William and Susan Duffy, from the provisions of MGL Ch. 61B.
8. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman
9. Assistant Town Administrator’s Report 10. Public Comments (if any)

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting May 4, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

May 4, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Northeast Municipal Gas Pipeline Coalition Update (if any)

3.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of March 31, 2016

4.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

5.      7:15 p.m. – Selectmen Open Pole Hearing

6.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

7.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

8.      Public Comments (if any)

9.      Adjourn

Annual Town Meeting, May 7, 2016 at 9:30 am

The annual Town Meeting will be held on May 7, 2016, 9:30 am at Ashby Elementary School. Follow this link to see the warrant.

Annual Town Election, Monday, April 25, 2016 from Noon to 7:30 pm

Ballot 2016 Annual Election

April 25, 2016 from Noon - 7:30 pm

MODERATOR, Three Years	VOTE FOR ONE
Nancy E. Chew
SELECTMAN, Three Years
Mark Haines
John Hourihan
TOWN CLERK, Three Years
Lorraine Pease
TREASURER, Three Years
Kate Stacy
ASSESSOR, Three Years
Charles E. Pernaa
NORTH MIDDLESEX SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Three Years
CONSTABLE, Three Years
William A. Davis
BOARD OF HEALTH, Three Years
Cedwyn Morgan
PLANNING BOARD, Five Years
Andrew Leonard
CEMETERY COMMISSIONER, Three Years
Rebecca L. Thatcher
CEMETERY COMMISSIONER, Two Years
PARK COMMISSIONER, Two Years
LIBRARY TRUSTEES, Three Years	VOTE FOR THREE
David A. Jordan
Anne P. Manney
Angela M. Jack
Barbara A.Thorpe

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting April 6, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

April 6, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Northeast Municipal Gas Pipeline Coalition Update (if any)

3.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of March 23, 2016

4.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

5.      Joint Meeting with Finance Committee regarding FY17 Budget and Town Meeting Warrant Articles

6.      Selectmen Vote on Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles and Vote to Close Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrants

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Annual Re-Appointment of Joe Mazzola as Veteran’s Agent for a one-year term ending April 30, 2017

8.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

9.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

10.  Public Comments (if any)

11.  Selectmen Enter into Executive Session to Discuss Strategy with Respect to Collective Bargaining with Police and Dispatch Unions, and will Reconvene in Open Session

12.  Adjourn

2015 Annual Reports

The 2015 Annual Reports are available online. The print version will be available at the Town Clerk's office and the Library about April 25th. 

Irene Salminen Scholarship Fund Application Available

The Irene Salminen Scholarship Fund application is available. The scholarship is open to all Ashby residents who have been accepted for admission to a program of higher learning at a school, college or university. Deadline is May 1st. 
http://ashbyma.gov/document/untitled/Image040116141929.pdf

Library Assistant Position Open

Library Assistant Position

The Town of Ashby is seeking candidates for the position of Library Assistant, 7-12 hours per week at the Ashby Free Public Library. This is a part-time non-benefited position and includes evening and Saturday hours.

Candidates must be reliable, flexible, able to work independently and as part of a team. Should possess excellent customer service skills as well as strong computer skills including proficiency with MS Office suite and eReaders. Experience with Evergreen is a plus. High school diploma required. Prior experience working in a library is preferred. College degree and/or experience working with the public is desired.

 Wage starting at $13 per hour.

Please send or email application letter, resume and two references by April 2, 2016 to:

Mary Murtland, Director

Ashby Free Public Library

812 Main Street

Ashby, MA  01431

mmurtland@cwmars.org

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting March 9, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

March 9, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Northeast Municipal Gas Pipeline Coalition Update (if any)

3.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of February 24 and March 2, 2016

4.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

5.      Selectmen Discuss Dumping on Taylor Road

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Peter Niall as Building Inspector for a one-year term from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Richard Hanks as Building Inspector Alternate for a one-year term from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Paul Lessard as Electrical Inspector for a one-year term from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

9.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Harry Parviainen as Assistant Electrical Inspector for a one-year term from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

10.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval of Building Inspector’s Appointments of Richard Kapenas as Plumbing and Gas Inspector for a one-year term from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017and Gary Williams as Plumbing and Gas Inspector Alternate for a one-year term from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

11.  Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Carlton Mountain to the Board of Registrars for a three-year term ending March 31, 2019

12.  Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Krishnabai as Alternate to the Board of Registrars for a one-year term ending March 31, 2017

13.  Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Chris Erban to the Cultural Council for a fill-in Term ending June 30, 2016

14.  Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of John McKendry to the Cultural Council for a fill-in Term ending June 30, 2016

15.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on One Day Liquor License for the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club

16.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

17.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

18.  Public Comments (if any)

19.  Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting on February 24, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

February 24, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Northeast Municipal Gas Pipeline Coalition Update (if any)

3.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval of DLTA Grant Submission (Alan Pease)

4.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of February 10, 2016

5.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

6.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

7.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

8.      Public Comments (if any)

9.      Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting January 27, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

January 27, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Northeast Municipal Gas Pipeline Coalition Update (if any)

3.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of January 13, 2016

4.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

5.      Request for Selectmen Chairman’s Signature on CDBG Grant Support Certification Letter

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on the March 1, 2016 Presidential Primary Election Warrant (4)

7.      Paint Stewardship Program Update and Recycling Certificates Update (Jack Pankosky)

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Subordination Agreement for FY10 Housing Rehab Program Participant (Beth Ann Scheid)

9.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval to Deficit Spend for Winter Operations (Highway Department)

10.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

11.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

12.  Public Comments (if any)

13.  Adjourn

Taxes Are Due February 1st

 A reminder FY2016 real estate and personal property taxes are due Feb 1st.  If you did not receive this bill or you have questions, please call the Tax Collector.  Bills are mailed 30 days in advance of due dates, and payments post effective the date of receipt.  With fewer USPS processing centers, payments mailed from Ashby can take 2-3 days for actual return delivery.  Thank you.

Nomination Papers Available for the Annual Town Election on April 25, 2016

Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk's office. The last day to obtain nomination papers is March 4, 2016.

Nomination Papers are available for the following positions:

MODERATOR, 3 YEARS
SELECTMAN, 3 YEARS
TOWN CLERK, 3 YEARS                        TREASURER, 3 YEARS
ASSESSOR, 3 YEARS
NORTH MIDDLESEX SCHOOL DISTRICT  COMMITTEE, 3 YEARS
CONSTABLE, 3 YEARS
BOARD OF HEALTH, 3 YEARS
PLANNING BOARD, 5 YEARS
CEMETERY COMMISSIONER, 3 YEARS
CEMETERY COMMISSIONER, 2 YEARS
PARK COMMISSIONER, 3 YEARS
PARK COMMISSIONER, 2 YEARS
LIBRARY TRUSTEES, 3 YEARS     

Election on April 25, 2016

                   

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting January 13, 2016

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

January 13, 2016

1.         7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of December 30, 2015

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

4.      7:15 p.m. – Selectmen Open CDBG Hearing

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on 2 One Day Liquor Licenses for the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club

6.      Northeast Municipal Gas Pipeline Coalition Update (if any)

7.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

8.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

9.      Public Comments (if any)

10.  Adjourn