Selectmen, Tax Percentage Hearing, Dec. 12th

LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF ASHBY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Town Hall, 895 Main Street, Ashby in order to establish the percentage tax share for residential and non-residential property owners for Fiscal Year 2012.

Board of Selectmen

Peter McMurray, Chairman

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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

2. FY12 Community Development Block Grant Application Hearing (Kevin Flynn)

3. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10 Modification of Mortgage Case #5 (MRPC)

4. Selectmen Approve Minutes of October 24 and November 9, 2011

5. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W21P in the amount of $____________, Vendor Warrant W22B in the amount of $____________, and Vendor Warrant W22B1 in the amount of $_________

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Conservation Restriction (Al Futterman, NRWA)

7. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Mark Archambault as Land Use Agent (Alan Pease)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Joseph Laszlo as Broadcast Technician, Employee-at-Will

9. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of the Cultural Council Members as Special Municipal Employees

10. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2 Disclosure of Financial Interest by Special Municipal Employee Forms (Cultural Council Members)

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

12. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

13. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

14. Public Comments (if any)

15. Adjourn

Draft Sustainable Economic Development Plan

Meet Saturday, Nov. 19th, 9:30 am, in the Library to discuss and hear comment on the goals and implementation of the Draft Sustainable Economic Development Plan.

GOAL 1: To provide the necessary infrastructure for a successful sustainable economy.

• · Encourage and seek funding for local road improvement.
• · Investigate and seek funding for public water & sewer in the Village Center.
• · Rehab Grange building as a community or business center.
• · Encourage alternate energy sources including alternatives to Unitil.

GOAL 2: To proactively meet local labor and training needs for current and future businesses.

• · Promote the establishment of a formal apprenticeship program in both the NMRS and the Monty Tech that meet local business needs.
• · Establish a local labor registry to match local businesses with people seeking work.

GOAL 3: To develop a sustainable local economic base that provides essential products and services to local residents and captures external dollars as a supplement to local revenue but not establish a fiscal dependency.

• · Identify existing artisanal industries, trades, and services, determine their needs, and establish policies and programs to support them.
• · Investigate the potential of establishing a small business incubator facility.
• · Investigate needs of equine and farm businesses, to support their continued existence and to encourage more of these types of businesses.
• · Develop connections to tour busses and other organized tourism programs that visit or pass through Ashby.
• · Develop a unique one-of-a-kind festival to bring people from all parts of the region to increase tourism and bring in external dollars.

GOAL 4: To strategically use public policy to improve the economic development climate and foster a sustainable economy.

• · Develop and improve local land use regulations that encourage the sustainable land uses and patterns of development.
• · establishment of specific roles in local government that will enhance economic development opportunities and improve the overall business climate.
• · Develop a unified permitting program that allows for greater ease of handling complex or multi-board development applications.

GOAL 5: To develop tools and resources to better market, organize, and seek assistance for Ashby businesses.

• · Encourage the establishment of a peer-to-peer organization such as a local chamber of commerce, village center merchants association, or similar to engage in marketing, outreach, event planning, organization and lobbying.
• · Encourage the establishment of a local newsletter or newspaper that provides advertising for local businesses.
• · Develop a tri-fold brochure marketing Ashby’s assets.
• · Establish a kiosk for placing brochures about Ashby and local Ashby businesses.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting Nov. 9, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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

2. Community Development Strategy Review (Kevin Flynn)

3. Sustainable Economic Development Report Presentation (Alan Pease)

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10 Amendment #1 Case #5 (MRPC)

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10 Agreement Case #6 (MRPC)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10 Agreement Case #7 (MRPC)

7. Selectmen Approve Minutes of October 27, 2011

8. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W17P in the amount of $42,738.06, Vendor Warrant W18B in the amount of $727,267.95 and Vendor Warrant W18B1 in the amount of $17,944.21

9. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W19P in the amount of $____________, Vendor Warrant W20B in the amount of $___________, and Vendor Warrant W20B1 in the amount of $____________

10. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion regarding Dog Complaint (Steve Maskewich)

11. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Joseph Laszlo as Broadcast Technician, Employee-at-Will

12. Selectmen Discuss School Budget

13. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Resolution in Support of H1972 “An Act Regulating Election Primaries”

14. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Highway Union Memorandum of Agreement

15. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

16. Public Comments (if any)

17. Adjourn

Halloween Rescheduled

Halloween is cancelled for tonight, Oct. 31. It will be held Thursday, Nov. 3rd, 6:00-8:00 pm.

Selectmen's Agenda for October 27, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Thursday, October 27, 2011

6:00 pm at the Elementary School

1. 6:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of October 12, 2011

3. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W17P in the amount of $42,738.06,

Vendor Warrant W18B in the amount of $727,267.95, Vendor Warrant

W18B1 in the amount of $12,276.40 and Vendor Warrant W18B2 in the

amount of $17,944.21

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Discharge of

Mortgage (Tax Collector)

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10

Modification of Mortgage Case #2 (MRPC)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10

Modification of Mortgage Case #3 (MRPC)

7. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10

Modification of Mortgage Case #4 (MRPC)

8. Selectmen Discuss School Budget

9. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

10. Public Comments (if any)

11. 6:45 p.m. – Pre-Town Meeting

Halloween Party at the Legion

Halloween Party at the American Legion, Saturday, Oct. 29th, 8:00pm to close. Live band, D-Tor. Prizes for best costume. 50/50 drawing. $8 at the door.

Flu Clinic, Tuesday, Nov. 1st

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2011

11 AM -12 NOON at ASHBY LIBRARY

Please bring your insurance card. No fee at the door.

Student Broadcast Assistant Sought

The Town of Ashby is looking for high school or local college students

interested in video production and broadcasting. Duties include setting up and operating

the A/V equipment to broadcast Board of Selectmen meetings in Ashby every other

Wednesday evening and, occasionally, other meetings and events, at other times. Annual

and Special Town Meetings are also recorded and broadcast. The pay is $10.92/hour. 14-

17 year old students will require a work permit. (www.mass.gov/dos , click: Youth

Employment Information)

Please direct inquiries to: John Pankosky, 978-386-7204, Town of Ashby, 895 Main

Street, Ashby, MA 01431

Halloween Trick or Treat

Halloween Trick or Treat will be on Monday, October 31 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Special Town Meeting

Special Town Meeting, October 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm at Ashby Elementary. Warrant

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting October 12, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of September 28, 2011

3. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W15P in the amount of $__________, Vendor Warrant W16B in the amount of $__________ and Vendor Warrant W16B1 in the amount of $__________

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10 Grant Agreement Case #4 (MRPC)

5. Selectmen Discuss Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Ashby Elementary School Lease

7. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion of Proposed Old Engine House Lease Changes

8. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion of 250^th Celebration (Lillian Whitney)

9. Public Comments (if any)

10. Adjourn

Town of Ashby Job Openings

Full Time Firefighter - EMT Position is Open

Highway Truck Driver - Laborer Position is Open

If the links above are not live go to www.ci.ashby.ma.us

Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Ashby will no longer be selling hunting/fishing licenses as of the 2012 season. The new Mass Wildlife & Fishing license procedure will be available online. Licenses are available at the new MassFishHunt online licensing system.

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/licensing/licensing_home.htm

Flu Shots

The annual Flu Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 20th, Noon - 1:30 pm at the American Legion.

The Community Calendar is back!

The Community Calendar is back thanks to the American Legion. To add your organizations information to the calendar, send an e-mail to: ashbylegion361@comcast.net by the 15th of

every month. We will be glad to add it.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting September 28, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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

2. Forest Legacy Briefing (MAFL Coordinator Mike Fleming) and Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Conservation Restriction (Al Futterman, NRWA)

3. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10 Grant Agreement Case #10 (MRPC)

4. 7:30 p.m. – Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee regarding Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles

5. Selectmen Vote on Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles

6. Selectmen Approve Minutes of August 11, August 17, August 31, and September 22, 2011

7. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W13P in the amount of $51,908.65, Vendor Warrant W14B in the amount of $46,103.78, Vendor Warrant W14B1 in the amount of $111,869.0878, Vendor Warrant W14B2 in the amount of $34,497.6578 and Vendor Warrant W14B3 in the amount of $23,000.00

8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #12-07 to Police Expense Account for $249.00

9. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #12-08 to Planning Board Expense Account for $126.44

10. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #12-09 to Highway Overtime Expense Account for $110.26

11. Request for Selectmen to Award Highway Road Materials Bids

12. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion of Proposed Old Engine House Lease Changes

13. Public Comments (if any)

14. Adjourn

Land Use Agent Job Opening

Land Use Agent

Town of Ashby

The Town of Ashby is seeking a part-time Land Use Agent to be its principle planning resource. The Agent would be responsible for planning projects focused on priority planning efforts and assisting town officials with issues involving planning, zoning, wetland protection and community development.

Duties require a bachelor’s degree with specialization in land use and environmental planning; two or more years experience in a municipal planning department; knowledge of Massachusetts zoning laws, wetland and riverfront protection laws, rural economic development and agricultural zoning; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with AutoCAD and GIS technologies preferred. Complete job description at http://www.ci.ashby.ma.us

Salary: up to $10,000 per year commensurate with experience and education. Submit resume and cover letter to Land Use Department, Town Hall, 895 Main St., Ashby MA 01431 or email landuse@ci.ashby.ma.us . Applications should be received by Monday, October 17, 2011. The position will remain open until filled. AA/EOE

Pumpkin Festival, Saturday, October 1st

Pumpkin Festival

Saturday, October 1st from 10AM-4PM on the Ashby Common.

Rain date is Sunday, October 2nd from 12PM-4PM.

The Friends of the Ashby Free Public Library is holding Ashby’s 21st Annual Pumpkin Festival and Craft Fair. This event has continually brought local people of all generations and backgrounds together on the Ashby common to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, engage in some family fun, and of course, start their holiday shopping! All proceeds benefit educational and cultural programming at the Ashby Free Public Library.

Representative Rich Bastien to Hold Office Hours in Ashby

Representative Bastien will begin meeting with Ashby constituents at the Ashby Town Hall (895 Main Street) on Wednesday, September 28. The meetings will be held in the 2nd floor Finance Meeting Room from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in conjunction with the second Board of Selectmen meeting each month. Please visit www.ci.ashby.ma.us/calendar.html to view the Calendar of Meetings.

Ashby residents are encouraged to schedule time during these open hours by calling (978) 630-1776 or emailing Richard.Bastien@MAHouse.gov. All others will be seen on a “first come, first served” basis.

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Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting September 22, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Thursday, September 22, 2011

1. 6:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W11P in the amount of $42,754.49, Vendor Warrant W12B in the amount of $38,465.26 and Vendor Warrant W12B1 in the amount of $22,900.00

3. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #12-05 to Highway Overtime Account for $935.75

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #12-06 to Highway Machinery Expense Account for $1000.00

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Police Union Memorandum of Agreement

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Chapter 90 Project Reimbursement Request

7. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Chris Ryan as Land Use Agent effective September 17, 2011

8. Selectmen Open Warrant for October 27, 2011 Special Town Meeting and Vote to Close Warrant on September 26, 2011

9. Public Comments (if any)

10. Adjourn

Selectmen's Meeting for Sept 14th cancelled

The Selectmen's meeting scheduled for September 14, 2011 is cancelled due to lack of quorum.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting Sept. 14, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of August 11, August 17 and August 31, 2011

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W11P in the amount of $________________, Vendor Warrant W12B in the amount of $_______________, Vendor Warrant W12B1 in the amount of $_______________ and Vendor Warrant W12B2 in the amount of $________________

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #12-05 to Highway Overtime Account for $935.75

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #12-06 to Highway Machinery Expense Account for $1000.00

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Police Union Memorandum of Agreement

7. 7:30 p.m. - Selectmen Open Highway Road Materials Bids

8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Chapter 90 Project Reimbursement Request

9. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of __________________as Highway Truck Driver/Laborer, Employee-at-Will with a 30-Day Probationary Period

10. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Chris Ryan as Land Use Agent effective September 17, 2011

11. Selectmen Open Warrant for October 27, 2011 Special Town Meeting and Vote to Close Warrant on September 26, 2011

12. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

13. Public Comments (if any)

14. Adjourn

Ashby Legion's Car Show

The Ashby American Legion's Car Show for Charity

Returns to Allen Field,

Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011 at 9:00 am!

Rain date the 5th.

$2.00 donation, under 12 free.

Bring the kids!

Food & beverage all day.

Music, 50/50 raffle.

Free Parking

It was Big last year and
promises to be Bigger this year.

Allen Field
West Rd.
Ashby, MA

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting August 31, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W09P in the amount of

$_____________, Vendor Warrant W10B in the amount of

$_____________, Vendor Warrant W10B1 in the amount of $239,266.81

and Vendor Warrant W10B2 in the amount of $2,584.07

3. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve

Fund Transfer #12-04 in the amount of $883.78 to the Library Building

Maintenance Expense Account

4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on UN Day Proclamation

5. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Police Chief Ed Drew as Special

Municipal Constable

6. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

7. Public Comments (if any)

8. Adjourn

Douglas Briggs, Ashby's Interim Town Administrator

Douglas Briggs begins as Ashby's Interim Town Administrator this week. Mr. Briggs has been Ashburnham's Town Administrator since June 2009. He will work part time in Ashby. Contact information is available on the Town's website under Departments.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting, Aug., 17, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of July 20 and August 11, 2011

3. Selectmen Approve and Sign Payroll Warrant W07P in the amount of $_______________, Vendor Warrant W08B in the amount of $163,580.14, Vendor Warrant W08B1 in the amount of $3,325.00 and Vendor Warrant W08B2 in the amount of $4,400.00

4. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion regarding American Legion Repairs

5. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of as Highway Truck Driver/Laborer, Employee-at-Will

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on FY2012 Council on Aging Formula Grant

7. CDBG Application Review and Upcoming Grant Round Briefing (MRPC)

8. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

9. Public Comments (if any)

10. Adjourn

Ashby Barn Tour, Saturday, Aug. 20th at Noon

The Ashby Barn Tour will be held on Saturday, August 20th starting at noon in the Historical Society Building. It will be followed by a pot luck supper from 5:00 to 7:30 and a barn dance at the Ashby Stock Farm at 8:00pm. Tickets are $12 for the barn tour and $8 for the dance or purchase both for $17. Proceeds benefit the repair old the Old Engine House. For more details see the brochure

Selectmen's Meeting Agenda for Aug. 11, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Thursday, August 11, 2011

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

2. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on FEMA Forms (Mike Bussell)

3. Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 1 and July 20, 2011

4. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W05P in the amount of $41,881.46 and Vendor Warrant W06B in the amount of $763,767.22

5. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion regarding Lot on South Road (Caroline Collins)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10 Modification of Mortgage for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #3 (MRPC)

7. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY10 Modification of Mortgage for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #1 (MRPC)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY09 Amendment #3 for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Consultant Thomas Gustafson, Esquire (MRPC)

9. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2 CDBG FY09 Amendments for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Consultant Jack McCarthy, DBA Home Tech, Inc. (MRPC)

10. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY09 Agreement for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #9 (MRPC)

11. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on CDBG FY09 Agreement for Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #12 (MRPC)

12. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Change Order #1 for Wheeler Road Project (MRPC)

13. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2011 Common Victualler’s License for the Community Council

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

15. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Tim Seymour as North Middlesex Area Emergency Planning Committee (NMAEPC) Alternate Member (Fire Chief)

16. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Faith Anttila as Council on Aging Member for FY2012

17. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Town Counsel Determination Form for Review of Recycling Services Agreement

18. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfer #12-03 in the amount of $176.30 to the Police Expenses Account (Chief Drew)

19. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

20. Public Comments (if any)

21. Adjourn

Selectmen's Meeting Cancelled

The August 3, 2011 Selectmen's meeting has been cancelled due to lack of a quorum.