Selectmen's Agenda for March 31

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, March 31, 2010

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of March 17, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W39P in the amount of $36,262.72, Vendor Warrant 40B in the amount of $27,819.04, and Vendor Warrant 40B1 in the amount of $31,825.00

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-23 in the amount of $2,021.98 to the EMS ALS Charges and Fees Expense Account

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-24 in the amount of $564.06 to the Town Office Expense Account

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-25 in the amount of $10.64 to the Historical Commission Expense Account

7. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-26 in the amount of $327.87 to Police Expenses Account

8. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion and Signature on Local Economic Development Projects Survey (Alan Pease)

9. Request for Selectmen’s Review and Input of Community Bulletin Board Plans (Alan Pease)

10. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on a CDBG AH FY09 Housing Rehabilitation Agreement (Ann Carabba)

11. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Lois Raymond as Assessors’ Clerk, Employee-at-Will

12. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Kathy Becker as Cultural Council Member for a fill-in term FY09-FY11

13. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Katherine Stanwood as Cultural Council Member for a three year term FY10-FY12

14. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Annual Town Election Warrant

15. Request for Selectman’s Signature on American Lung Association Cross State Trek Acknowledgement

16. Town Administrator’s Report

17. Public Comments (if any)

18. Adjourn

Federal Aid for Individuals Impacted by Flooding

Federal Aid available to homeowners and businesses in Middlesex County impacted by recent flooding.

The available Individual Assistance Programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) include Individuals and Households Programs (IHP), Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Legal Assistance, Tax Relief, and Small Business Administration Disaster Loans. This assistance will assist individuals and businesses in their recovery from the impacts of flooding.

Individuals and business owners, who sustained losses in the designated counties, can initiate the application for assistance process by calling the FEMA Teleregistration numbers: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired or registering on-line at www.fema.gov. The toll-free Teleregistration numbers will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 1:00am, on weekends - Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am to 10:00pm, until further notice.

2009 Town Report

2009 Town Report is available online at http://ci.ashby.ma.us/clerk/treport/report09/index09.html

Print copies will be available at Town Hall and the Library on April 19th. The Town Report will not be mailed this year.

Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Annual Town Meeting

Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments

Planning Board hearing to be held Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 8:00pm at Town Hall
Annual Town Meeting, Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9:30am.

Flood District; This article amends the Zoning Bylaw to reference the recently updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Notice, Complete Text, Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective June 4, 2010

Agricultural Use Overlay District; This article allows additional commercial uses by right and by special permit for land in commercial agriculture use. Notice, Complete Text

Selectmen's Agenda, March 17

*warrant amounts were not available at the time this agenda was posted

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, March 17, 2010


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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of March 8, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W37P in the amount of $_________, Vendor Warrant 38B in the amount of $_________, and Vendor Warrant 38B1 in the amount of $_______________

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-20 in the amount of $2,074.43 to the Police Expense Account

5. Request for Selectmen’s Input on Possible Projects for the next MRPC District Local Technical Assistance Grant Round (Alan Pease)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Paul Lessard as Electrical Inspector for a one-year term from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011

7. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Steve Dubois as Assistant Electrical Inspector for a one-year term from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011

8. 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, 2010 to March 31, 2011 and Gary Williams as Plumbing and Gas Inspector Alternate for a one-year term from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011

9. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Carlton Mountain to the Board of Registrars for a three-year term ending March 1, 2013

10. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Sarah Leonard as Alternate to the Board of Registrars for a one-year term ending March 1, 2011

11. Selectmen Vote on Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles

12. Town Administrator’s Report

13. Public Comments (if any)

14. Adjourn

Candidates for Annual Town Election

BALLOT FOR ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION APRIL 26, 2010


MODERATOR, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE
Nancy E. Chew
775 Piper Rd.

SELECTMAN, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE
Peter McMurray Candidate for Re-Election
1392 West State Rd.

TOWN CLERK, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE
Lorraine Pease Candidate for Re-Election
328 Richardson Rd.

TREASURER, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE
Kate Stacy Candidate for Re-Election
75 Frost Rd.

ASSESSOR, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE


ASSESSOR, One Year VOTE FOR ONE


NORTH MIDDLESEX SCHOOL COMMITTEE, VOTE FOR ONE
Three years
Kenneth P. Brown
47 Mayo Rd.

CONSTABLE, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE
William A. Davis Candidate for Re-Election
202 Nourse Rd.

BOARD OF HEALTH, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE
Cedwyn Morgan Candidate for Re-Election
593 Erickson Rd.

PLANNING BOARD, Five Years VOTE FOR ONE
Wayne A. Stacy Candidate for Re-Election
66 Bennett Rd.

CEMETERY COMMISSIONER, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE


PARK COMMISSIONER, Three Years VOTE FOR ONE
Stephanie B. Lammi Candidate for Re-Election
676 West Rd.

LIBRARY TRUSTEES, Three Years VOTE FOR THREE
David A. Jordan Candidate for Re-Election
370 Frost Rd.

Douglas Leab
611 Piper Rd.

Anne P. Manney
260 New Ipswich Rd.

TREE WARDEN, One year VOTE FOR ONE

Selectmen's Agenda, March 3rd

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, March 3, 2010


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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of February 17, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W35P in the amount of $43,244.72, Vendor Warrant 36B in the amount of $42,153.87 and Vendor Warrant 36B1 in the amount of $5,275.00

4. Selectmen Discuss Senior Tax Work-off Program

5. Selectmen Briefing on Awarded Grant for Defibrillators (Library Director)

6. 7:30 p.m. - Selectmen Discuss The Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management (Stephen McGoldrick)

7. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on four CDBG AH FY09 Housing Rehabilitation Agreements (Shelly Hatch, MRPC)

8. Revolving Septic Loan Program Terms Discussion (Board of Health and Shelly Hatch, MRPC)

9. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Open Space Plan Letter of Review

10. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Performance Secured by Escrow Account (Alan Pease)

11. Selectmen Discuss New Town Meetings Bulletin Board (Alan Pease)

12. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-21 in the amount of $746.86 to the EMS ALS Charges and Fees Account

13. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-22 in the amount of $902.03 to the Town Office Expense Account

14. Selectmen Final Input on Warrants for May 1, 2010 Special Town Meeting and Annual Town Meeting

15. Selectmen Update on Police Chief Search

16. Town Administrator’s Report

17. Public Comments (if any)

18. Adjourn

Rabies Clinic

Rabies Clinic, March 13th, 9:00-11:00 am, West Townsend Fire Station

Selectmen's Agenda, Feb. 3, 2010

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of January 20, 2010

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W31P in the amount of $42,930.65, Vendor Warrant 32B in the amount of $729,876.01 and Vendor Warrant 32B1 in the amount of $24,625.00

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer Re-issued as #10-15 in the amount of $5,882.00 to the Police Expenses Account

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-16 in the amount of $2,638.00 to the Police Expenses Account

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #10-17 in the amount of $80.45 to the Zoning Board Expense Account

7. 7:15 p.m. – Selectmen hold Second CDBG FY10 Application Hearing (MRPC)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on CDBG FY10 Letter of Support

9. Request for Selectman’s Signature on CDBG FY10 Omnibus Letter

10. Selectmen Discuss Establishing, and Appointing Members to, a Proposed Energy Efficiency Committee (Alan Pease)

11. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Bob Higgins-Steele, Bill Stanwood, Jim Hubert, John Mickola and Alan Pease to the Energy Efficiency Committee

12. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Open Space Plan Letter of Review

13. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of Resignation of Andrew Leonard as Land Use Agent, effective January 31, 2010

14. Selectmen Discuss Finance Committee Annual Report and Reserve Fund Transfers Procedures (Lillian Whitney)

15. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of Resignation of Fred Stacy as Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman, effective immediately and Request for Appointment of Fred Stacy as Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate Member

16. Selectmen Designate Board of Selectmen Representative for Police Union Negotiations

17. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Contract Amendment for Interim Police Chief

18. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on a One Day Liquor License for February 13, 2010 Ice Fishing Derby (Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club)

19. Selectmen Open Warrants for May 1, 2010 Special Town Meeting and Annual Town Meeting

20. Town Administrator’s Report

21. Public Comments (if any)

22. Selectmen enter Executive Session to Discuss Strategy with Respect to Negotiations with Nonunion Personnel and will Reconvene in Open Session

23. Adjourn

Assessors Clerk Job Openinig

The Ashby Board of Assessors seeks to fill the position of Assessor’s Clerk. Candidates with demonstrated office, computer, and public relations skills will be considered for training in this 24 hour per week position. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 to 1:30, Fridays 8:30 to noon. Applicant should be an independent worker and have strong skills in Microsoft® Word™ and Excel™. The starting wage is $12.00/hr.

Please direct inquiries to Regional Assessor Harald Scheid at hscheid@rrgsystems.com. Resumes should be mailed to: Ashby Board of Assessors, 895 Main Street Box 3, Ashby, MA 01431. Resume submittal deadline is February 19, 2010. Complete job description. The Town of Ashby is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Nomination Papers Available for Annual Town Election

Nomination Papers are available for open positions for the Annual Town Election to be held April 26, 2010, 12:00-7:30 pm. Positions include:
Selectman
Moderator
Town Clerk
School Committee
Assessor
Treasurer
Board of Health
Planning Board
Cemetery Commission
Library Trustee
Parks Commission
Tree Warden
Constable

Martin Luther King Day

All Town offices will be closed Monday, January 18, 2010 for Martin Luther King Day.

Special State Election

Special State Election for U.S. Senator, Tuesday, January 19th, 7:00am-8:00pm at Ashby Elementary School. The last day to get an absentee ballot for this election is Friday, January 15, 2010 at 5:00 pm. Absentee ballots are available from the Town Clerk's office.

Last Day to Register to Vote in Special State Election

December 30, 2009 is the last day to Register to Vote in the Special State Election for U.S. Senator. The election will be held on January 19, 2010, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Selectmen's Agenda, Dec. 23, 2009

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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


2. Request for Selectmen to Arrange for Funding to Cover Police Chief Search Committee’s Expenses (Police Chief Search Committee)


3. Selectmen Approve Minutes of November 16, December 8 and December 9, 2009


4. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W25P in the amount of $51,633.79 and Vendor Warrant 26B in the amount of $39,457.04


5. 7:30 p.m. – Selectmen hold Continuation of CDBG FY10 Application Hearing from December 9, 2009 (MRPC)


6. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Letter Designating the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen as Environmental Certifying Officer for 2010 Housing Rehabilitation Project and Infrastructure Project


7. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on the CDBG FY09 Contract for Financial Literacy Training Counseling Services


8. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on State Election Warrant


9. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $12.43 to the Historical Commission Expenses Account


10. Town Administrator’s Report


11. Public Comments (if any)


12. Adjourn

Results of Special Town Meeting, 11-30-2009

RESULTS OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
November 30, 2009
The warrant was returned to the Town Clerk by Constable William Davis at 6:50 PM.
With a quorum present, the Moderator Peter Rourke called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.

The warrant showed it had been properly served.

The motion was made and seconded to waive the reading of the warrant, and so voted.
The rules of the meeting were read.

The motion was made and seconded to allow the moderator to declare a two-thirds vote, and so voted.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLES
Article 1. The motion was made and seconded to transfer the sum of $47.58 from the Town
Report account to the Prior Year Bills account for the purpose of paying a prior year Cemetery bill.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS

Article 2. The motion was made and seconded to transfer the sum of $75.00 from the Town Report account to the Prior Year Bills account for the purpose of paying a prior year Police Department Expenses bill.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS

Article 3. The motion was made and seconded to transfer the sum of $18.76 from the Town Report account to the Prior Year Bills account for the purpose of paying a prior year EMS bill.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS

Article 4. The motion was made and seconded to appropriate the sum of $50,199 from Free Cash for the purpose of paying the FY10 budget shortfall as a result of the reduction in State Aid.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS

Article 5. The motion was made and seconded to appropriate the sum of $54,340.82 from Free Cash for the purpose of paying the FY09 deficit created by the unreimbursed costs of the December 11, 2008 ice storm.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS

Article 6. The motion was made and seconded to transfer the sum of $750 from the
Collector Expenses account to the Assistant Collector Wages account for the purpose of paying assistant collector wages.
VOTE: DEFEATED

Article 7. The motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s borrowing in
anticipation of State Aid for an amount not to exceed $495,000 that has been approved by the Department of Revenue Emergency Board for the purpose of paying bills and payroll.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS

Article 8. The motion was made and seconded to rescind its May 5, 2007 Annual Town
Meeting vote on Article 24 allocating the sum of $142,025.40 from the Stabilization Fund to pay for the Town’s portion of a Small Town Road Assistance grant pursuant to 720 CMR 11:00 contingent on receipt of said grant.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS

Article 9. The motion was made and seconded to transfer the sum of $500.00 from the
Town Report account to the Highway Regular Overtime account for the purpose of paying
Highway overtime wages.
VOTE: PASSED

Article 10. The motion was made and seconded to appropriate the sum of $2,930 from Free Cash to the Technology and Systems account for the purpose of paying for computer equipment and services.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS

Article 11. The motion was made and seconded to appropriate the sum of $5,900 from Free Cash to the Highway Wages account for the purpose of paying highway wages.
VOTE: DEFEATED

Article 12. The motion was made and seconded to accept Massachusetts General Law,
Chapter 143, Section 3Z allowing a part-time building inspector to perform construction work in the town in which he is inspector.
VOTE: PASSED

The motion was made and seconded to dissolve the Special Town Meeting at 7:58 PM , and so voted.

Lorraine Pease
Ashby Town Clerk

Special Town Meeting, Monday, Nov. 30th, 7:00 pm

Articles for Special Town Meeting, 11/30/2009

Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $47.58 from the Town Report account to the Prior Year Bills account for the purpose of paying a prior year Cemetery bill, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: √ Approved Disapproved No Action

Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $75.00 from the Town Report account to the Prior Year Bills account for the purpose of paying a prior year Police Department Expenses bill, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: √ Approved Disapproved No Action

Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $18.76 from the Town Report account to the Prior Year Bills account for the purpose of paying a prior year EMS bill, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: √ Approved Disapproved No Action

Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $50,199 from Free Cash for the purpose of paying the FY10 budget shortfall as a result of the reduction in State Aid, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: Approved Disapproved √ No Action

Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $54,340.82 from Free Cash for the purpose of paying the FY09 deficit created by the unreimbursed costs of the December 11, 2008 ice storm, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: √ Approved Disapproved No Action

Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $750 from the Collector Expenses account to the Assistant Collector Wages account for the purpose of paying assistant collector wages, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: Approved √ Disapproved No Action

Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to approve the Treasurer’s borrowing in anticipation of State Aid for an amount not to exceed $495,000 that has been approved by the Department of Revenue Emergency Board, for the purpose of paying bills and payroll, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: Approved √ Disapproved No Action

Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to rescind its May 5, 2007 Annual Town Meeting vote on Article 24 allocating the sum of $142,025.40 from the Stabilization Fund to pay for the Town’s portion of a Small Town Road Assistance grant pursuant to 720 CMR 11:00 contingent on receipt of said grant, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: √ Approved Disapproved No Action

Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $500.00 from the Town Report account to the Highway Regular Overtime account for the purpose of paying Highway overtime wages, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: √ Approved Disapproved No Action

Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $2,930 from Free Cash to the Technology and Systems account for the purpose of paying for computer equipment and services, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: √ Approved Disapproved No Action

Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $5,900 from Free Cash to the Highway Wages account for the purpose of paying highway wages, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: Approved Disapproved √ No Action

Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to accept Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 143, Section 3Z allowing a part-time building inspector to perform construction work in the town in which he is inspector, or take any action thereon.

Finance Committee action: √ Approved Disapproved No Action

H1N1 Flu Vaccination Dec. 3rd for Priority Groups

Please follow this link or paste the web address into your browser to view the notice. This vaccination clinic is restricted to high priority groups.

http://ci.ashby.ma.us/boardofhealth/ashby%20clinic%20info.pdf

Clinic to be held Dec. 3rd at Ashby Elementary School from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.

Selectmen's Agenda for November 24th

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, November 24, 2009


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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of November 10, 2009

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W21P in the amount of $43,587.77 and Vendor Warrant 22B in the amount of $116,910.14

4. 7:15 p.m. – Selectmen hold Tax Rate Hearing (Harald Scheid)

5. Request for Selectmen’s Granting of Exemption for Police Officer Fred Alden from MGL 268A, Sections 19(b)(1) and 20(h)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Input on Boundaries of the Proposed Sewer District (Alan Pease)

7. Request for Selectmen’s Consideration of Lowering Liquor License Fees (Bill Arnold)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2010 Class II and Class III Motor Vehicle License Renewals and accompanying Conditions for P&S Trucks & Parts, Inc.

9. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2010 Motor Vehicle License Renewals (including Class II Conditions) for:

v B&Z Enterprises Class II
v Tip Top Motors Class II
v Tracy’s Auto Body and Sales Class II

10. Request for Selectmen’s Signature on Letter of Engagement to Melanson Heath Auditors

11. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of Resignation of Linda Sanders as Town Administrator effective December 31, 2009

12. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of Resignation of Florence Bryan from the Ashby Historical Commission effective December 31, 2009

13. Town Administrator’s Report

14. Public Comments (if any)

15. Adjourn

Public Auction of Real Estate Taken for Taxes

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF ASHBY
OFFICE OF THE TREASURER
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

To Whom It May Concern:

You are hereby notified that:
Real estate taxes levied by the Town of Ashby remain due and unpaid upon the following parcels of property:

Parcel: Fort Hill Rd, Map 11, Parcel 126, Lot 0; 0.47 acres
Former Owner(s): Richards, Phillip
Instrument of Taking: Middlesex S.D. Reg. Deeds B 32896, P 165
Minimum bid approved by the Board of Selectmen: $2,500.00

Parcel: Fort Hill Rd, Map 11, Parcel 121, Lot 0; 0.05 acres
Former Owner(s): Brown, Ruth
Instrument of Taking: Middlesex S.D. Reg. Deeds B 31112, P 394

Parcel: Spring Hill Rd, Map 11, Parcel 122, Lot 0; 0.23 acres
Former Owner(s): Brown, Ruth
Instrument of Taking: Middlesex S.D. Reg. Deeds B 31112, P 395
The above two parcels will be auctioned together. Minimum bid approved by the Board of Selectmen: $2,000.00

Parcel: Fort Hill Rd, Map 11, Parcel 125, Lot 0; 0.44 acres
Former Owner(s): Brown, Ruth
Instrument of Taking: Middlesex S.D. Reg. Deeds B 31112, P 396
Minimum bid approved by the Board of Selectmen: $2,000.00

Parcel: Turnpike Rd, Map 5, Parcel 88, Lot 0; 1.100 acres
Former Owner(s): Foote Construction Co.
Instrument of Taking: Middlesex S.D. Reg. Deeds B 46144, P 452
Minimum bid approved by the Board of Selectmen: $1,000.00

Parcel: Lower Wright Pond, Map 14, Parcel 23, Lot 0; 0.15 acres
Former Owner(s): Ethier, Jeremy.
Instrument of Taking: Middlesex S.D. Reg. Deeds B 50380, P 144
Minimum bid approved by the Board of Selectmen: $600.00


Parcel: Lower Wright Pond, Map 14, Parcel 25, Lot 0; 0.19 acres
Former Owner(s): Ethier, Jeremy.
Instrument of Taking: Middlesex S.D. Reg. Deeds B 50380, P 145
Minimum bid approved by the Board of Selectmen: $600.00


Parcel: Lower Wright Pond, Map 14, Parcel 33, Lot0; 0.28 acres
Former Owner(s): Ethier, Jeremy
Instrument of Taking: Middlesex S.D. Reg. Deeds B 50380, P 146
Minimum bid approved by the Board of Selectmen: $600.00


Buyers should be aware that the Town of Ashby does not warranty or guarantee these properties to be in conformity with existing zoning by-laws or other applicable codes or regulations. The Treasurer is selling the properties “as is”.

Under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 60, §77B, on Saturday, December 12, 2009
at 10:00 a.m., at Town Hall, the Treasurer of the Town of Ashby will conduct a public auction for the purpose of assigning the Town’s tax title in and to the above-referenced parcel of land to the highest bidder provided that the Treasurer may reject any bid which she deems inadequate.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE
1. The successful bidder at said auction shall be required to deposit with the Town Treasurer a security deposit in the form of a Bank check in the amount of $500.00 at the time of auction, payable to the Town of Ashby
2. The balance will be due and payable to the Town Treasurer via a Bank check within 14 days from the date of the auction.
3. Failure to pay the balance in full within 14 days from the date of the auction will result in the forfeiture of the sale.
4. A $125 Bank check made payable to the Commonwealth of MA / Middlesex County Registry of Deeds is required for the recording of the Treasurer’s Deed.
5. The successful bidder shall pay Pro Forma Taxes at the closing, which would be calculated from the closing date through the end of Fiscal Year 2010.
Upon receipt of the full bid amount, the Treasurer shall execute and deliver on behalf of the Town an appropriate instrument assigning the subject tax title.


Dated:________ _____________________________________
Kate Stacy, Treasurer

Flu Clinic Finder, Seasonal & H1N1

Links to the Flu Clinic locators on this site are provided as a public service to assist individuals in finding vaccine clinics. The Town of Ashby does not control nor can it verify the information provided by these sites.

Please note that some flu clinic locations may only be providing vaccines to specific priority populations like pregnant women or small children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines on who should get seasonal influenza, here, and on who should get the H1N1 vaccination, here. Check with your healthcare provider about which vaccine is appropriate for you. 

Massachusetts Public Flu Clinic Finder, public clinics only

Google Flu Clinic Finder, includes both public and commercial clinics

American Lung Association Flu Clinic Finder, appears to be similar to the Google Finder.

For more Information go to http://www.flu.gov/
If links in this feed do not work go to www.ci.ashby.ma.us and follow links there.

Special Town Meeting 11/30/09 at 7:00 pm

A Special Town Meeting is called for November 30, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Elementary school. Warrant

Selectmen's Agenda for November 10th

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of October 28, 2009

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W19P in the amount of $37,170.94, Payroll Warrant W19P1 in the amount of $1,165.00 and Vendor Warrant 20B in the amount of $678,843.07

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $112.20 to the Finance Committee Expenses Account

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $25.81 to the Historical Commission Expenses Account

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on ABCC Liquor Licenses Renewal Forms

7. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on November 30, 2009 Special Town Meeting Masters (5)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Signature on Letter to the DHCD to comply with the Additional Special Condition to Accomplish Energy Efficiencies and Own Cost Savings

9. Request for Selectmen to set December 1, 2009 as Closing Date for Police Chief Applications (Police Chief Search Committee)

10. Request for Selectmen’s Exemption of Police Officer Fred Alden Pursuant to MGL Chapter 268A, Section 20 by Appointing him as a Special Municipal Employee to allow him to be a Voting Member of the Police Chief Search Committee (Fred Alden)

11. Request for Selectmen’s Input on Revisiting obtaining the Engineering Plan for Tying Town Hall’s Failed Septic into the Elementary School’s Septic (Bruce Adams)

12. Selectmen Update on Right of Way to Jones Hill Road Tax Title Property (Andrew Leonard)

13. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion on Minimum Bids for the 8 Parcels to be Auctioned (Kate Stacy)

14. Selectmen Update on Two Portable Classrooms available from North Middlesex School District (Linda Sanders)

15. Town Administrator’s Report

16. Public Comments (if any)

17. Adjourn

Highway Department Job Openings

The Highway Department is seeking applicants for the following positions:

Equipment Operator/Truck Driver/Laborer

Equipment Operator/Laborer during the winter months

Job Description

Applications must be received by the Highway Department by 11/23/2009 at 3:30 pm.

Draft Open Space Plan, Comments Needed

The draft plan is based on comments received at a public forum on June 15, 2009. We are now taking comments on this draft with special focus on the sections on the Goals and Objectives and the Five Year Action Plan.

A second public hearing will be held on December 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Ashby Town Hall, first floor to hear additional input. Comments can be emailed to landuse@ci.ashby.ma.us or sent by mail to Land Use Agent, 895 Main St., Ashby, MA 01431.

All files in pdf format.

Draft Open Space Plan, complete with maps, 5.4 MB

Draft Open Space Plan text only no maps, 425 KB

It's Up to You to Stop the Flu

Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC)
As millions of Massachusetts children and teenagers returned to school this month, at the start of a serious flu season, the Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC) has an important health message: "It's Up to You to Stop the Flu."

Funded by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant, this public information campaign provides ways to stay healthier, including:

-- Get the flu shot
-- Wash your hands or sanitize often
-- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your sleeve
-- Stay home when sick
-- don't bring the flu bug to work or school.

Selectmen's Agenda for Oct. 28th

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, October 28, 2009


1. 6:30 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Selectmen Talk with Police Chief Search Committee Volunteers

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of October 14, 2009

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W17P in the amount of $45,435.07 and Vendor Warrant 18B in the amount of $158,347.14

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer to the Highway Regular Overtime Account for $225.30

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer to Police Expenses in the Amount of $5,882.00

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer to Historical Commission Expenses in the Amount of $54.20

7. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Letter of Gratitude for Dondi LaRue’s Fifteen Years of Service

8. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Johanna Grutchfield to the Council on Aging

9. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of Resignation of Chris Wallace, the Highway Equipment Operator

10. Selectmen Update on the Ashby Open Space Plan (Conservation Commission and Land Use Agent)

11. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Special State Primary Warrant for Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

12. Selectmen Briefing on CDBG Grant Program with Hubbardston (Shelly Hatch, MRPC)

13. Request for Selectmen’s Signature on Agreement with the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission for the Administration and Implementation of the CDBG Grant

14. Request for Selectmen’s Signature on Agreement for Housing Rehabilitation Services with Jack McCarthy, dba Home Tech, Inc.

15. Request for Selectmen’s Signature on Agreement with Attorney Thomas C. Gustafson for Title Rundown and Recording Services

16. Request for Selectmen’s Signature on Memorandum of Agreement with the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission for Group Procurement of Office Supplies

17. Request for Selectmen’s Selection of a Monday Date for the Special Town Meeting

18. Request for Selectmen’s Review of the STM Articles List and Decisions about what to Include on the Warrant

19. Town Administrator’s Report

20. Public Comments (if any)

21. Adjourn

Local Contractors Needed

The Towns of Ashby and Hubbardston were recently awarded Community Development Block Grant funds to conduct a housing rehabilitation program in both towns.

The Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) has been hired by the Towns to administer the grant program. We are looking for local contractors that might be interested in participating in this new program.

The type of renovations that are covered within this program is roofing repairs or replacement; installing insulation; window and door replacement; upgrades to heating, plumbing and electrical systems; drainage and structural issues; removal of lead or asbestos; and repairs or replacement for failed septic systems.

If you are a licensed general contractor, lead remover, electrician, plumber, or septic installer, carry insurance, and are looking for local jobs, please contact Shelly Hatch at MRPC, 978-345-7376, x305.

New Ethics Law Requirements

On July 1, 2009 Governor Patrick signed into law Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2009 (the “Bill”) making changes to the state’s conflict of interest law and the State Ethics Commission’s enabling act. On September 29, 2009 portions of the Bill that relate to the conflict of interest law go into effect.

Each municipal employee (as well as unpaid elected or appointed officials) is required to sign a written acknowledgement that he/she has been provided with a summary of the bill and such written acknowledgement must be filed with the town clerk. See and print Summary of the Conflict of Interest Law for Municipal Employees

The Bill also adds a new Section 28 to the conflict of interest law, which provides that every “municipal employee shall, within 30 days after becoming such an employee, and every 2 years thereafter, complete the online training program. Upon completion of the online training program, the employee shall provide notice of such completion to be retained for 6 years” by the city/town clerk.

The Commission currently has on its website an online training program, which, until such time as it is revised, should be the program used by municipal employees to comply with this training requirement. Upon completion of the program, employees should print out the completion certificate, keep a copy themselves and provide a copy to the city or town clerk.

Call for Entries in Quilt Show at Library

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Upcoming Quilt Exhibition at the Carol H. Steele Gallery of the Library.

You don’t have to be a professional quilter to show off your work. Quilts may be hand or machine pieced and quilted. The Exhibition will run from early December 2009through January 2010.

Send photos of up to three quilts by November 13 to the AFPL, PO Box 279, Ashby, MA 01431. Include the size of the piece and your contact information – name, address, telephone, and email. Maximum size is 36” – 60”. The work must be framed with attached wire, or supported by a rod for hanging purposes. For more information, contact Ann-marie LaBollita 978-386-7710 or aml1963@verizon.net.