New Tax Bill Format & Combined Tax Bills

NEW TAX BILL LAYOUT

Starting with this week’s mailing of the bills due February 1st, all real estate and personal property tax bills will be printed, sorted for bulk rate and/or multi-stuffed by Globe Direct located in Taunton, MA.   Only those bills with an exact 100% match for both naming and addresses will be multi-stuffed.

Our new bill layouts are printed on both sides; see samples below.  Bills scheduled for Dec 28^thmailing.

                2-window envelope                       RealEstate                          PersonalProperty

COMBINED TAX BILLS

At our last town meeting, Ashby voters approved the combining of smaller real estate and personal property tax billings.  Taxpayers who were used to receiving 4 quarterly tax bills ranging from $0.01 up to $25.00, will now only receive two tax billings per year.  For example:

A $4.17 tax assessment which historically billed quarterly as:  $1.04 + $1.04 + $1.05 + $1.04, will now bill as $2.08 due Aug1st and $2.09 due Feb1st.  At the higher end of the eligible range:

A $50.00 annual tax (the cap for combining bills) will be $25.00 due Aug1st and $25.00 due Feb1st.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting December 27, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

December 27, 2017

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 Common Victualler’s License Renewals for 2018 for:

v  Camp Middlesex

v  Convenience Mart

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2018 Motor Vehicle License Renewals (including Class II Conditions) for:

v  Tip Top Motors                                   Class II

v  Tracy’s Auto Body and Sales             Class II

6.      Selectmen Discuss Liquor License Fees for Calendar Year 2018

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on 2018 Liquor Licenses for:

v  873 Roadhouse, LLC - All Alcoholic Restaurant License

v  873 Market, LLC - Retail Package Goods, All Alcoholic Beverages

v  American Legion – Club License, All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages

v  Ashby Market – Retail Package Goods, Wines and Malt Beverages

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Chairman’s Signature on Comstar Non-Contractual Write-offs Approved by Fire Chief

9.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

10.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

11.  Public Comments (if any)

12.  Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting on December 13, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

December 13, 2017

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.      Community Choice Power Program (Alan Pease)

5.      Energy Efficiency Committee Update (Jim Hubert)

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on FY2017-FY2020 Highway Union Contract

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Vote on 2018 Liquor License Renewals

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on General (Video Games) License for The American Legion for 2018

9.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Common Victualler’s License Renewals for 2018 for:

v  873 Cafe

v  American Legion

v  Ashby Market

10.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2018 Class II and Class III Motor Vehicle License Renewals and accompanying Conditions for P&S Trucks & Parts, Inc.

11.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2018 Motor Vehicle License Renewals (including Class II Conditions) for:

v  B&Z Enterprises                                 Class II

v  G&M Automotive                              Class II

12.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

13.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

14.  Public Comments (if any)

15.  Adjourn

Ashby Band Christmas Concert, Dec. 16th at AES

ASHBY BAND Christmas Concert, Ashby Elementary, Saturday, December 16th at 7:30 pm. Free Admission.

The Ashby Concert Band under the musical direction of Robert Healy will present their 4th annual Holiday Christmas Concert at the Ashby Elementary School. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided by the school's PTO.

The 33-piece professional concert band will be joined again this year by the New Players Theatre Guild Festival Singers from Fitchburg under the direction of Nancy King. The Guild Singers will perform “Irving Berlin’s Christmas” medley, “A Festive Christmas Celebration”, “The Christmas Song”, “The Little
Drummer Boy”, & a medley called “A Classical Christmas”. Other highlights include selections from a “The Toy Trumpet”, “Sleigh Ride”, “A Christmas Festival”, “March of the Toys”, “Hallelujah Chorus”, and other traditional holiday favorites.

In the tradition of the summer performances, the concert will end with Stars and Stripe Forever in a special Christmas arrangement.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held on Sunday, December 17 @ 6 pm. This is a family friendly concert which celebrates the season and the long tradition of music in Ashby.

Council on Aging Director Position is Available

The Ashby Council on Aging is seeking a part-time (8hrs/week) Director at $15.46/hour.   The Director is responsible for all aspects of working to meet the needs of approximately 500 seniors.  Please apply to Ashby Council on Aging, 985 Main Street, Ashby, MA 01431.  This position will remain open until filled.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting November 29, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

November 29, 2017

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 Acceptance of the Resignation of Matt Leonard as Tree Warden effective 11/14/17

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Angela Jack as Town Clerk Clerical Support, Employee-at-Will with a probationary period of 1 year

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Steve Beauregard as Highway Superintendent, effective immediately, Employee-at-Will

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Vote to Designate Board Member to Approve and Sign on Warrants and Designate Back up Member to Approve and Sign Warrants

8.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

9.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

10.  Public Comments (if any)

11.  Adjourn

Bids Are Solicited for Surplus Town Equipment

 printable form; http://ashbyma.gov/document/selectmen/Surplus-Bid-Pkg-171115.pdf 

                                                                 TOWN OF ASHBY

                                          SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

The Town of Ashby is accepting sealed bids for the following surplus equipment:

·         6 yard stainless steel Torwel sander, pony motor driven

·         6 yard stainless steel Torwel sander, converted to hydraulic

·         Two (2) Wisconsin pony motors

·         Ariens 7hp snow blower, model 1099s

·         Pressure washer, model 1404

·         2003 Ford 350 Pickup 4x4

·         1949 Ford Tractor model 8N

·         2008 Ford Crown Vic

·         Western style horse saddle

·         2004 Ford F-450 ambulance (diesel)

·         Generator, trailer mounted

·         Two (2) Electric Booster Hose Reels, w/100’ of hose each

All items are offered as is/where is without any warranty, actual or implied, as to mechanical viability or physical condition.

For bid forms, terms and conditions, access information, please contact the office of the Town Administrator, Ashby Town Hall, 895 Main Street, Ashby 01431:  978-386-2501 x25.

Bids will be accepted at the same location until 12:00 noon, Wednesday, December 13^th, 2017, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids, in whole or in part, in the best interest of the Town.

Robert B. Hanson

Town Administrator/Procurement Officer

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

1. The items enumerated on the first page are available for inspection as follows:

·         The 2008 Crown Vic and the horse saddle may be inspected at the Ashby Police Department, 893 Main Street, during business hours Mon-Friday; please call ahead to 978-386-5652.

·         The ambulance, hose reels, and generator may be inspected at the Ashby Fire Department, 1093 Main Street during business hours on a Monday or a Tuesday; please call ahead to 978-386-5522.

·         All other items may be inspected at the Highway Department garage, 192 Breed Road, during business hours (7AM – 3PM) on a Monday or a Tuesday; please call ahead to 978-386-2424 x26.

2. All items are offered “as is/where is” with no warranty, actual or implied, as to mechanical or physical condition.

3. SUBMISSION OF A BID ON ANY SURPLUS ITEM SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS A CERTIFICATION THAT THE BIDDER HAS INSPECTED THE ITEM, AND IS INFORMED, TO HIS/HER OWN SATISFACTION, OF ITS STATUS AND CONDITION. NO RETURNS OR REFUNDS WILL BE ALLOWED.

4. All bidders must submit their bids on the enclosed bid form, which must be returned in a sealed envelope, clearly marked “Bid – Surplus Equipment” and bearing the name and address of the submitting party. All bids must be received at the Office of the Town Administrator, Town Hall, 895 Main Street, Ashby by 12:00 noon, Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

5. Upon award of a bid on any item, payment must be made, in cash, or by certified check or money order, payable to the “Town of Ashby” by 4:00 PM on Monday, December 18^th, unless other arrangements have been made, with the approval of the Town Administrator.

6. All items awarded must be claimed by the successful bidder and removed from Town property by 4:00 PM, Wednesday, December 20^th, unless other arrangements have been made, with the approval of the Town Administrator. 

                                                            BID FORM

1. For 6 yard Torwel sander, pony motor driven:

            Bid: $___________               

(same number in words) ___________________________________

2. For 6 yard Torwel sander, converted to hydraulic

            Bid: $___________

            (same number in words) ____________________________________

3. For Wisconsin pony motors (two available)

               Bid: $ ______________ each

               (same number in words) ___________________________________

4. For Ariens 7 hp snow blower, model 1099s

               Bid $ _______________

               (same number in words) ___________________________________

5. For pressure washer, model 1404

                Bid $ _______________

                (same number in words) ___________________________________

6. For 2003 Ford 350 pickup 4x4

              Bid $ __________________

              (same number in words) ______________________________________

7. For 1949 Ford tractor Model 8N

              Bid $ __________________

              (same number in words) ______________________________________

7. For 2008 Ford Crown Vic

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

8. For western style horse saddle

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

9. For 2004 Ford F-450 ambulance (diesel)

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

10. For trailer-mounted generator

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

11. For Electric Booster hose reels w/100’ hose (two available, each w/hose)

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

Bid Submitted by:

Name: ________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________

Contact phone ___________________________________________________

Signed _____________________________________

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting November 15, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA November 15, 2017 1. 7:00 p.m.

1. Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants
3. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman
4. Assistant Town Administrator’s Report
5. Public Comments (if any)
6. Adjourn

EMT Certification Course at Ashby Fire Department

EMT CERTIFICATION COURSE BEING OFFERED AT ASHBY FIRE DEPARTMENT

1093 Main St., Ashby, MA 01431

(978) 386-5522 

EMT Basic Course
Start Date: January 2, 2018
End Date: April 18, 2018

Schedule: Tuesday and Sunday 6:00pm - 9:00pm and every other Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuition: $975.00

Includes textbook + CPR Certification
Registration Deadline: 1 2/23/1 7
($275.00 non-refundable textbook deposit required with application)
100% Attendance is Required
FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE THROUGH SALLIE MAE, VA FUNDING:YELLOW RIBBON AND SECTION 30, MA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
*Links on our web site: www.emtsinc.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION AND GET MORE INFORMATION WWW.EMTSINC.COM . APPLICATIONS ALSO AVAILABLE AT ASHBY FIRE DEPT.

CONTACT US: 781-826-2011 OR loriemts@emtsinc.com

EMTS, Inc. | (781) 826-2011 | http://www.emtsinc.com

Clerical Position in Town Clerk's Office Available

Job Posting: Clerical Position- Town Clerk’s Office

The Town of Ashby is seeking qualified applicants for a clerical position in the Town Clerk’s Office. Responsibilities include providing clerical and administrative support for the Department. This includes assistance in administering census and elections, recording vital records and issuance of certain licenses and permits. Applicant must have superior customer service skills and be able to deal effectively with coworkers and the public in a tactful manner. Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Access, Excel, and Word is required, as well as the ability to learn the state Voter Registration Information System, along with various software programs in use within the office.

Wage starting at $13.50/hour.

The Job Application form is available on the Town website www.ashbyma.gov and completed applications should be directed to:

Town Clerk
895 Main Street, Box 4
Ashby MA 01431
tclerk@ashbyma.gov

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Town of Ashby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Part Time Library Position is Available

Help Wanted
Part-time Library Assistant

The Town of Ashby is seeking candidates for the temporary position of Part-time Library Assistant, 7 hours per week at the Ashby Free Public Library. This is a part-time non-benefited position lasting only 3 months.

The Part-time Library Assistant qualifications include:

• Ability to work well with library patrons, including children, parents and their caregivers.
• Ability to learn and use a computerized library catalog system and related equipment.
• Being proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.   
• Candidates must be reliable, flexible, friendly, and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Should possess excellent customer service skills.

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 Nov. 15, 2017 to:
Mary Murtland, Director
Ashby Free Public Library
812 Main Street
Ashby, MA  01431
mmurtland@cwmars.org

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting on Nov. 1, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

November 1, 2017

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.      Discussion Solar Access Agreement re:  School

5.      7:30 p.m. - Tax Classification Hearing (Assessors)

6.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

7.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

8.      Public Comments (if any)

9.      Adjourn

Ashby Police Halloween Schedule & Safety Tips

With Halloween just over a week away, Chief Fred Alden and the Ashby Police Department are reminding families of several important safety tips as they prepare to take their children trick-or-treating this year. “We want all of our residents to enjoy Halloween this year,” Chief Alden said, “We strongly advise that everyone review these safety tips and make note of parking restrictions in town on Halloween night."

Time: Oct. 31 falls on a Tuesday this year and Ashby Police will work to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Trick-or-treating hours in Ashby are 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Parking: Ashby Police ask that people coming to the center of town avoid parking on the street, and remind residents that parking is prohibited on Main Street from the elementary school to County Road.

Children should:

Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups

Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them

Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant

Use flashlights for guidance on sidewalks, walkways and when crossing the street

Make sure masks have eye-holes large enough to see any tripping hazards or oncoming traffic, and mouth openings large enough to breathe easily

Practice safe street-crossing by using crosswalks and walk signals

Walk and don’t run from house to house

Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes

Never accept rides from strangers

Parents and guardians should:

Supervise their children

Establish a designated curfew for older children

Make sure children are wearing safe costumes that fit well and don’t drag on the ground

Apply reflective tape to your child’s arms, legs and treat bags

Assure costume accessories such as swords and other pointed objects are made with soft and safe materials

If driving children between houses and neighborhoods, have them get out of cars on the curbside, not on the traffic side.

Homeowners should:

Keep inside and outside lights on during trick-or-treat hours

Avoid placing lit candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or fire.

Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped

Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or lead poisoning for small children

Additionally, any suspicious person or vehicle should immediately be reported to the

Ashby Police at 978-386-5652 or by dialing 911.

A Message from the Ashby Police Department

Textile Recycling at Ashby Elementary

The North Middlesex School District, the Townsend Recycling Committee along with the Ashby Recycle Center and Transfer Station are offering a friendly competition between classes. Monday, October 23 through Friday October 27.

Items will be collected at the AES parking lot mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 am (when students arrive). Also Saturday, October 28, 10:00 am - noon across from the HS.

Good, bad and ugly accepted as long as it's dry and not smelly. Clothes, shoes & more.

Ashby residents without students in school but with textiles to recycle are invited to participate.

Questions contact Irene Congdon, Chair of Townsend Recycling, Irene_Congdon1@yahoo.com, 978-597-9191.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting, Oct. 18, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

October 18, 2017

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.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

5.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

6.      Public Comments (if any)

7.      Adjourn

Flu Vaccination Clinics

Ashby Flu Vaccination Clinic, Thursday, October 26th from 2:00 - 6:00 in the Library. Other Flu Vaccination Clinics (You can go to any one.)

EMT Certification Course Offered

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification Course offered at the Ashby Fire Department.

Land Use Agent Position is Open

The Town of Ashby is seeking a part-time Land Use Agent, to serve as the Town’s principal planning resource.  The Agent will be responsible for projects focused on priority planning efforts, and for assisting town officials with issues involving planning, zoning, wetland protection and community development. More Information

250th Celebration Events This Weekend

250th Celebration Events

• Saturday, 9/23 5K Road Race/Walk, Town Common, 9:00 am -

This Saturday, September 23rd at 9;00 am is the Ashby 250th Anniversary 5k walk and 5 mile road race! Come celebrate Ashby! Not quite into walking or running, but want to celebrate? Come support your friends, neighbors and the Ashby Fire Department. The Ashby FD will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers on the Common. Grill will be on around 11:00 am. See you there!

• Sunday 9/24, Ecumenical Camp Meeting, Allen Field, 4:00 pm - 

The congregations serving the people of Ashby will hold an Olde Time Camp Meeting Sunday the 24th, 4:00 pm at Allen Field, to celebrate the religious presence in our town as part of the Ashby 250th Anniversary Celebration. Come join us for singing, preaching and enjoying the worship under tents, and sitting on lawn chairs or blankets (please bring your own).

Representation will include:
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
United Church of Christ Congregational Church
Sanctuary Church of Ashby
St. John's Catholic Church of Townsend

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting September 20, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA September 20, 2017 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 Dispatchers Union Contract
5. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman
6. Assistant Town Administrator’s Report
7. Public Comments (if any)
8. Adjourn

8th Annual Car Show for Veterans, Monday, September 4, 2017 at Allen Field

8th Annual Car Show for Veterans postponed to Monday, September 4, 2017 at Allen Field. Food and Beverages All Day, Free Parking, $2 Donation. Gates open at 7:00 am

The Car Show Committee has decided to have our 8th Annual HCB Car Show on Monday Sept 4th due to rain forecast for Sunday. Hope to see you all there.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting September 6, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

September 6, 2017

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.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

5.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

6.      Public Comments (if any)

7.      Adjourn

Part-time Clerical Position Available

Part-time ClericalPosition

The Town of Ashby has a Part-time clerical position available to provide support to the Assessors and Tax Collector during peak periods, and for vacation coverage.  While overall combined hours will average about 8hrs/week over the course of a fiscal year, the actual work schedule will vary from weeks involving 0-4hrs, to weeks involving upwards of 16-20hrs.

In addition to assisting the public, clerical duties for the Assessors include filing, preparing mailings, and processing excise abatements; clerical duties for the Tax Collector include accepting walk-in tax payments, scanning check payments, and stuffing property tax bills.

Appointee must be able to be bonded.

Position requires attention-to-detail; an aptitude for working with computers and excel spreadsheets; accuracy with numbers and making change; and the ability to interact professionally with our tax paying public.  Appointee must be available and flexible to working variable hours.  Position description is subject to changing departmental needs.

Compensation for the subject position will be between $11.00 - $13.00 per hour depending on qualifications. More information

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting August 23, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

August 23, 2017

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 of Comstar Non-Contractual Write-offs through 7/27/17 as approved by the Fire Chief

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Andrew Blouin as Solid Waste Attendant effective 09/30/17

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 August 9, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

August 9, 2017

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 Appointment of Mike Reggio, Art Skolnik and Lillian Whitney to the Public Safety Building Research Committee

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Kendall Hill Road Right of Entry Agreement

6.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

7.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

8.      Public Comments (if any)

9.      Adjourn