Edible Wild Plants Walk, Wednesday, June 18 at Carraig Farm, 179 West Rd.

Naturalist and landscaper John Root will lead a 90 minute edible wild plants walk at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, June 18 at Carraig Farm, 179 West Rd. in Ashby. The event is free, and native plants will be available for sale. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Ashby Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Ashby Spring Festival, Rescheduled to Saturday, June 7th on the Common

3rd ANNUAL ASHBY SPRING FESTIVAL, SATURDAY JUNE 7TH 10 am - 3 pm ON THE ASHBY COMMON, MAIN STREET. HOSTED BY ASHBY ELEMEMTARY SCHOOL

Buy your lunch from Kenny J or one of your favorite Firefighters, play some games… Then sit back in your favorite lawn chair to be ENTERTAINED BY DRIFTWOOD CREEK. Music starts at 11 am. FitCamp 360 Demo and a visit from Andy the Texas Roadhouse Mascot who will pass out lunch coins to all the young kids.

FOOD - GAMES AND PRIZES SHOP WITH ONE OF OUR 50 CRAFTERS AND VENDORS KIDS CORNER WITH GAMES, PRIZES & A BOUNCY SLIDE, questions email susanclement49@yahoo.com 

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting May 14, 2014

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

May 14, 2014

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

2.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of April 23 and May 3, 2014

3.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Year End Transfers

4.      Request for Selectmen’s Re-Appointment of Kathleen O’Donnell as Special Counsel, with a Term to expire June 30, 2015

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Stephanie Lammi as Parks Commissioner and Municipal Groundskeeper, Effective April 29, 2014

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Eric Rantala as Parks Commissioner, Effective April 29, 2014

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Bill LaDue as Municipal Groundskeeper, Employee-at-Will

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Steve Dubois as Assistant Electrical Inspector, Effective Immediately

9.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Grant Letter of Support

10.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

11.  Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

12.  Public Comments (if any)

13.  Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting, May 4,2014

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
May 7, 2014
1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of April 23 and May 3, 2014
3. Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W43P in the amount of
$46,178.91 and Vendor Warrant W44B in the amount of $772,233.28
4. Request for Selectmen’s Re-Appointment of Kathleen O’Donnell as Special
Counsel, with a Term to expire June 30, 2015
5. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Stephanie Lammi as
Parks Commissioner and Municipal Groundskeeper, Effective April 29, 2014
6. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Eric Rantala as Parks
Commissioner, Effective April 29, 2014
7. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Bill LaDue as Municipal
Groundskeeper, Employee-at-Will
8. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman
9. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report
10. Public Comments (if any)
11. Adjourn

EMT's (Emergency Medical Technician) Needed

The Ashby Fire/EMS Department needs EMTs.  If you are interested in serving as an EMT please contact Bill Seymour, Jr., Fire Chief at 978-386-5522.

Position Open for Municipal Groundskeeper

The Town of Ashby is accepting applications from qualified candidates for a seasonal, part-time grounds-keeping/maintenance position for the Town’s parks and other public spaces.  The successful applicant will have had prior experience with mowing, trimming and general grounds maintenance, as well as some understanding of gardening.  A valid driver’s license is a pre-requisite for the position.  Applicants should be self-motivated, and able to work under the direction of the Parks Commissioners.

Starting wage is $11.36/hr.

The position is currently open, and the selected candidate will begin work as soon as possible.

All interested parties should complete a standard application available on-line or in paper form at the Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s office, 2nd Floor, Ashby Town Hall, 895 Main Street.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Town of Ashby is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Annual Town Election Monday, April 28, 2014

The annual town election will be held Monday, April 28, 2014 from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm at Ashby Elementary School. View the specimen ballot.

Ashby 250th Anniversary Celebration Group

Friends of Ashby 250th Anniversary Celebration are Holding a Logo Design Contest for North Middlesex and Monty Tech Students. Not a student? You can volunteer to help plan the events.

Local Scholarships Available

Local scholarships can help fund your education. The Ashby Free Public Library has several scholarships. Applications are due before May 15th.

The Ashby Alumni Association administers the Irene Salminen Scholarship Fund. Applications are due by July 20th.

The American Legion Holmes - Curran - Bennett Post 361 has several scholarships. Please contact the Ashby Legion for more information.

Annual Town Reports, 2013 is Now Available

The Annual Town Reports for 2013 is available online now.  The reports can be read online or saved to your device.

The paper version will be available the week of April 28th at Town Hall and the Library.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting April 9, 2014

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

April 9, 2014

1.      6:50 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Selectmen Enter into Executive Session to discuss Strategy with respect to Collective Bargaining and will reconvene in Open Session

3.      Joint Meeting with Finance Committee regarding FY15 Budget and Town Meeting Warrant Articles

4.      Town Common Well Discussion

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on May 3, 2014 Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrant Masters (5)

6.      Discussion regarding Structure of the Board

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Agreement for Paramedic Intercept Services with Ashburnham

8.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of March 26 and March 29, 2014

9.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W39P in the amount of $43,493.59 and Vendor Warrant W40B in the amount of $42,022.23

10.  Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Kathy Juliano from the 250^th Start-up Celebration Committee, effective Immediately

11.  Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Gerald (Don) Phelan as Solid Waste Facility Attendant, effective March 22, 2014

12.  Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Daniel Ewald as Solid Waste Facility Attendant, Employee-at-Will

13.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

14.  Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

15.  Public Comments (if any)

16.  Adjourn

Bunny Breakfast at the Legion, Saturday, April 5, 2014

AES PTC BUNNY BREAKFAST

Saturday April 5, 2014 8:00am-11:00am, Ashby American Legion, New Ipswich Road

Adults $4, Seniors $2, Kids $2

Breakfast includes: pancakes, bacon, eggs, coffee, juice

Bring a camera for a photo with the Easter Bunny! Lots of kids games, crafts and raffles!

Hosted by the Ashby Elementary School Parent-Teacher Cooperative

Informational Meeting on Proposed Gas Pipeline, Saturday, March 29th

There will be an informational meeting at Ashby Elementary School at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 29th on the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. proposal to run a gas pipeline through Ashby. Speakers include Jay Duffy, environmental attorney and Bruce Winn, Berkshire Environmental Action Team.  More information on the pipeline

Dave's Sugar House, Open House, Sunday, March 30th

We will be having another open house this year! 
Sunday, March 30, 2014 from 10:00am-3:00pm. This gives us the chance to let people see the process of making maple syrup. We will also be demonstrating how to make maple cream and maple candy! Syrup will also be available for purchase. 1033 Jones Hill Rd.

Annual Sugar Supper, March 29th at 5:30 pm

Sugar Supper

March 29, 2014, 5:30 pm at the Ashby Unitarian Church

The Annual Sugar Supper will be held at the Fist Parish Church on March 29th at 5:30 pm. The supper features local ham, maple sugar baked beans, cole slaw, donuts and maple sugar on snow. Please make reservations by calling 386-5579

Special Town Meeting March 15, 2014 at 9:30 am in Ashby Elementary School

This Town Meeting will vote n the High School building project, monies for Police, Dispatch, Fire, Highway and others as well as town bylaw changes.  Read the warrant for complete list of articles.

http://ashbyma.gov/document/Clerk/town_meeting/WAR%20STM%20031514.pdf

Girl Scout Cookie Sale, Sunday, March 2nd at 873 Main St.

Girl Scout Cookie Sale

Sunday March 2nd

10:00am-1:00pm

873 Cafe

873 Main St, Ashby

Thank you for supporting Ashby Daisy Troop #31101!

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting, February 26, 2014

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
February 26, 2014
1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of February 12, 2014
3. Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W33P in the amount of
$57,336.10 and Vendor Warrant W34B in the amount of $111,078.95
4. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Marshall Drummond as Parks
Commissioner until the Next Annual Town Election (Marshall Drummond)
5. Presentation of Ashby’s Green Community Designation (Energy Efficiency
Committee)
6. North Middlesex Regional School District FY15 Budget Discussion
(Superintendent Landers)
7. Gas Pipeline Proposal Discussion (Conservation Commission)
8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 5 One Day Liquor Licenses
for the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club:
 March 9th Membership Meeting
 March 15th St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
 April 13th Membership Meeting
 April 26th Spring Fishing Derby
 May 17th Family Fishing Derby
9. Selectmen Sign March 15, 2014 Special Town Meeting Warrant Masters (5)
10. Selectmen announce that Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrants are open
and will close on March 12th
11. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman
12. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report
13. Public Comments (if any)
14. Adjourn

Girl Scout Cookie Time, Saturday, Feb. 22nd, 11:00-2:00 at the 873 Cafe, Main St., Ashby

Please consider supporting Ashby's youngest Girl Scouts, Daisy Troop #31101!

Girl Scout Cookie Sale - Saturday February 22nd - 11:00am-2:00pm 

873 Cafe, 873 Main St, Ashby

$4/box - Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Dosidos, Trefoils, Savannah Smiles

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting February 12, 2014

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

February 12, 2014

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

2.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 19, 2013 and January 29, 2014

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W31P in the amount of $46,061.58 and Vendor Warrant W32B in the amount of $785,434.36

4.      Selectmen Briefing on Ashby Village Public Water Feasibility Study (Alan Pease)

5.      Discussion re:  Landfill Closure, Landfill Closure Escrow Account and Purchase of Lyman Fields

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Chairman’s Signature on FY14 Audit Engagement Letter

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Subordination Agreement for FY03 Housing Rehab Program Participant (Beth Ann Scheid)

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Bruce Wahler to the 250th Start-up Celebration Committee

9.      Selectmen vote to close STM 3/15/2014 warrant; review articles.

10.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

11.  Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

12.  Public Comments (if any)

13.  Selectmen Enter into Executive Session to Discuss Strategy with Respect to Collective Bargaining, and will Reconvene in Open Session

14.  Adjourn

Girl Scout Cookies, February 1st, Noon - 3:00 at Ashby Elementary parking lot

Ashby Brownie Troop#30163 Girl Scout Cookie Drive Thru
"Cookie Drive Thru" Fund Raiser
Saturday, February 1st, 12:00-3:00pm
Ashby Elementary School Parking Lot 
911 Main Street in Ashby, MA

Please come to our "Cookie Drive Thru" Fund Raiser and support your local Girl Scouts!!
We are raising money to complete a community service project in Ashby at Maja on Erickson Rd and the Heifer International Organization. The girls also wish to take a field trip to Heifer and earn their membership renewals for next year.
 Just in case you want to support us but wish not to bring home cookies, you can donate your cookies to our "Project Care and Share" which will be donated 50/50 to our Ashby Food Pantry and our local military recipients.
Thank you for your continued support,
Troop leaders Rebecca Thatcher, Jessica Sheridan, Alecia Primrose and Diane Hill

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting January 29, 2014

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
January 29, 2014
1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 19, 2013 and January 15, 2014
3. Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W29P in the amount of
$53,256.28 and Vendor Warrant W30B in the amount of $158,433.97
4. Selectmen Briefing on Audit Results by Melanson Heath and Company (Town
Accountant)
5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Chairman’s Signature on FY14 Audit
Engagement Letter
6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval to Deficit Spend for Winter Operations
(Highway Superintendent)
7. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Birdena Lyon as Police Fire Signal
Operator with a One Year Probationary Period
8. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Heather Rhodes as Police Fire Signal
Operator with a One Year Probationary Period
9. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Amanda Pender as Police Fire Signal
Operator with a One Year Probationary Period
10. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of John Bilotti, Kathleen Juliano, Catherine
Biliouris, Martha Svedberg and Lillian Whitney to the 250th Start-up Celebration
Committee
11. Selectmen Call Special Town Meeting for March 15, 2014 and Open Warrant
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

Ashby Food Pantry

The newly formed Ashby Food Pantry will open it's doors for the first time on Tuesday February 11th from 6-7:30pm. We are located in the Selectman's room on the 2nd Floor of the Town Hall.

We are conducting a food drive January 24 throughl February 3rd to help stock the pantry shelves for our neighbors in need. Food can be dropped off at locations throughout town, including the following: Ashby Market, Ashby Elementary School, Ashby Library, Ashby Congregational Church, 31 Store and The Stop & Style.

Although all items are appreciated, there is a particularly high need for the following: Cereal, Pasta, Peanut Butter, Jelly and Spaghetti. Thank you for your support

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting January 15, 2014

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

January 15, 2014

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

2.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 19 and December 31, 2013 and January 10, 2014

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W27P in the amount of $48,827.82 and Vendor Warrant W28B in the amount of $69,149.78

4.      7:15 p.m. – Community Development Block Grant Hearing (Kevin Flynn)

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

6.      Ashby Food Pantry Discussion (Tricia Foster)

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval of the following Ambulance Write-offs for the period from July, 2013 through October, 2013 (Town Accountant):

v  July, 2013 - $7,772.40

v  August, 2013 - $7083.75

v  September, 2013 - $8,496.88

v  October, 2013 - $4,561.91

v  Total of $27,914.94

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Chairman’s Signature on FY14 Audit Engagement Letter

9.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Chairman’s Signature on updated Family Medical Leave Act Policy

10.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Chairman’s Signature on Small Necessities Leave Act Policy

11.  Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Harry Parviainen as Assistant Electrical Inspector, for a Term ending March 31, 2014

12.  Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Lillian Whitney to the 250th Start-up Celebration Committee

13.  Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Krista Burson as Accounting Clerk/Administrative Assistant to the Police Department, effective January 20, 2014

14.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval of 5 Month Unpaid Leave of Absence for Reserve Officer Glenn Casey

15.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

16.  Public Comments (if any)

17.  Selectmen Enter into Executive Session to Discuss Strategy with Respect to Collective Bargaining and will Reconvene in Open Session

18.  Adjourn

Agenda for the Selectmen's Meeting December 31, 2013 at 8:00 am

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

December 31, 2013

1.      8:00 a.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

2.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 19, December 11 and December 18, 2013

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

4.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Scott LeClerc as Board of Health Member until Next Annual Town Election

5.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

  

6.      Public Comments (if any)

  

7.      Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting December 18, 2013

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
December 18, 2013
1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 19, December 4, and December 11, 2013
3. Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W23P in the amount of
$60,164.97 and Vendor Warrant W24B in the amount of $58,566.47
4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2 Discharge of Mortgages
for FY03 Housing Rehab Program Participant (Beth Ann Scheid)
5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval of the following Ambulance Write-offs for the
period from July, 2013 through November, 2013 (Town Accountant):
 July, 2013 - $7,772.40
 August, 2013 - $7083.75
 September, 2013 - $8,496.88
 October, 2013 - $4,561.91
 Total of $27,914.94
6. Selectmen Discuss Liquor License Fees for Calendar Year 2014 (Bill Arnold)
7. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on 2014 Liquor Licenses for:
 31 Store – Retail Package Goods, All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages
 American Legion – Club License, All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages
 Ashby Market – Retail Package Goods, Wines and Malt Beverages
8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Common Victualler’s
License Renewals for 2014 for:
 31 Store
 4-H Camp Middlesex
 American Legion
 Ashby Market
 Mr. Mike’s
9. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on General (Video Games)
License for The American Legion for 2014
10. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2014 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 2014 Motor Vehicle License
Renewals (including Class II Conditions) for:
 B&Z Enterprises Class II
 G&M Automotive Class II
 Tip Top Motors Class II
 Tracy’s Auto Body and Sales Class II
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. Selectmen Enter into Executive Session to Conduct Contract Negotiations with
Non-Union Personnel and will Reconvene in Open Session
16. Adjourn

Selectmen's Meeting December 11, 2013

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
December 11, 2013
1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Selectmen discuss and act on filling the Position of Chief of Police,
following the departure of Chief Drew
3. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman
4. Public Comments (if any)
5. Adjourn

Agenda for the Selectmen's Meeting, December 4, 2013

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
December 4, 2013
1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 19, November 20 and November 25, 2013
3. Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W21P in the amount of
$52,393.36 and Vendor Warrant W22B in the amount of $142,434.33
4. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Subordination Agreement
for FY09 Housing Rehab Program Participant (Beth Ann Scheid)
5. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Randy Stacy as Waste
Oil Coordinator, Effective Immediately
6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2014 ABCC Liquor License
Renewal Forms for:
 The American Legion Club License, All Alcoholic Beverages
 The Ashby Market Package Store, Wine and Malt Beverages
 E.C. 31, Inc. Package Store, All Alcoholic Beverages
7. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2014 ABCC Population
Estimate Certificate for Seasonal Licenses
8. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman
9. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report
10. Public Comments (if any)
11. Adjourn

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sunday, Dec.1st

The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Common will be Sunday, Dec. 1st at 4:00 pm. Following the tree lighting ceremony, a free community dinner, with vegetarian and meat stews, is hosted by First Parish Church.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting November 20,2013

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

November 20, 2013

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

2.      Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 19 and November 6, 2013

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll Warrant W19P in the amount of $61,025.54 and Vendor Warrant W20B in the amount of $43,532.36

4.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval of New and Revised Police Department Policies (Lieutenant Alden)

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Initials on Ambulance Receivable Write-offs for $4,574.97

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Melissa Coyle as Board of Assessors Member, Effective November 6, 2013

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

v  12/11/13, Spaghetti Dinner

v  1/8/14, Spaghetti Dinner

v  1/18/14, Ice Fishing Derby

v  2/8/14, Ice Fishing Derby

v  2/22/14, Kid’s Ice Fishing Derby

8.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

9.      Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

10.  Public Comments (if any)

11.  Adjourn