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

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting July 26, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

July 26, 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 Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club Access Agreement

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on a Special License for the Sale of Wine and Malt for the Holmes-Curran-Bennett Annual Car Show

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Special Licenses for the Sale of Wine and Malt for the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club (2)

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Tricia Foster as Associate Planning Board Member to a Three Year Term ending June 30, 2020

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

9.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

10.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

11.  Public Comments (if any)

Library Summer Exhibit

Summer Exhibit at Ashby Library

The talented artists from Ashby Elementary School, grades K-4, are showing samples of their art in the Gallery at the Library this summer. Come in and see the creativity of our young, local artists! Summer hours apply.

Request for Photographs of Ashby for the Library's Fall Exhibit

The Gallery Coordinator is asking Ashbyites to submit copies of their favorite photos of Ashby for an exhibition that will be up from the beginning of September until late Fall. The photos will be grouped by location so that we can see all the different ways we see the same thing. Please put your name, contact info, whether you want your photo copy 

back, and where the photo was taken (and when, if you know). Photo copies at least 5x7 are appreciated so that they are more easily viewed but smaller ones will be accepted.

These copies can be dropped off any time during normal summer hours. This is one of the Library's contributions to Ashby250. Please forward this to your picture-taking friends.

Marijuana Zoning Bylaw Survey

The May, 2017 Annual Town Meeting passed a 1 year moratorium on recreational marijuana growing and sales facilities.  The moratorium included a provision for a planning process to develop a bylaw dealing with recreational marijuana for the the 2018 town meeting.

The Ashby Planning Board would like you to participate in the process by submitting the 2 question survey.  

This survey only covers the question of whether or not residents want to consider permitting the growing or sales of marijuana or would prefer to ban either or both altogether. If residents wish to consider either or both, future surveys and public forums will look at the restrictions that may be placed on facilities.

More information.

Ashby Weekend Events

SATURDAY JULY 1st

CELEBRATION OF THE HORSE will be showcased at the Ashby Stock Farm.  Join us for an afternoon of delight at this historical and splendid equestrian center.

Gates open at 11:00 am, with a Horse Demonstration from 1:00PM - 3:00PM.  This exciting program will feature Grand Prix Dressage, Driving Display, Jumping, Western Pleasure, Musical Quadrille, and the "Ashby Leadline Invitational."

Additional festivities will include a Breed Exhibition, hay rides, a country music concert, horse vendors and tradesmen, and a food tent.

Admission is free.  Parking is available in the field next to the Ashby Fire Department.  No dogs, please.

SUNDAY JULY 2nd
Starting at 1PM, Ashby will host an OLD-FASHIONED "VINTAGE" BASEBALL GAME at the ballfield near the Ashby Elementary School.

The Mudville Baseball Club (upper) of Holliston, MA will take on the Woodstock Hilltoppers (lower) from Woodstock, CT.  Play will be based on the "Massachusetts Rules" drawn up in 1858 when baseball was emerging as America's Favorite Pastime!

Admission to the game is free and will include an Ice Cream Social courtesy of the 873 Cafe, with music by Q THA MUZIK after the game.

MONDAY JULY 3rd

Independence Day and Ashby's 250th will be celebrated with the classic "NIGHT BEFORE THE 4TH" at Allen Field.
Gates open at 4PM and admission is free.  A donation to the Ashby Fire Department is appreciated, and will enter you into a drawing to help light the bonfire!

There will be the traditional chicken BBQ (advance tickets recommended, call 978-386-5502). Hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, chili, popcorn, and ice cream will be available.

Festivities will include the Ashby Minutemen, Ashburnham Light artillery and the 1812 Overture with cannon salute.  Games will include a bounce house, obstacle course, climbing wall and much more!

Music will be provided by The Ashboys™ from 4:00-7:30.  The town band concert will begin at 7:30, followed by the bonfire at sunset.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting June 28, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

June 28, 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 Annual Appointments for FY2018

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of One Board of Selectmen Member and Town Administrator as NMRSD Regional Agreement Subcommittee Representatives

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2017 Common Victualler’s License for the Community Council

7.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

8.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

9.      Public Comments (if any)

10.  Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting June 14, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

June 14, 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 Chairman’s Signature on Year End Transfers

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Annual Appointment of Townsend Police Officers as Special Police Officers in Ashby for FY2018

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Tuition Reimbursement Agreement

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Jason Patnaude as Cemetery Maintenance Laborer

8.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

9.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

10.  Public Comments (if any)

11.  Adjourn

Town Ordered Auction of Real Estate

Town Ordered Public Auction of Real Estate. Five Properties Will be Auctioned on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 12:00 pm in Town Hall. Registration is Required to Bid. More Information.

Special Town Election, July 11, 2017 for Debt Exclusion

Special Town Election, July 11, 2017 from Noon to 7:30 pm at Ashby Elementary School. This is a Debt Exclusion Election for Three Articles Passed at Town Meeting Relating to School Repairs. Warrant

Public Safety Building Committee

Public Safety Building Research Committee will meet at 5:30 pm, May 31, 2017 at Town Hall, 2nd floor. Anyone interested in participating on the committee should attend. Agenda

Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day Parade! Monday May 29th: 

• 1:30pm parade marchers meet at the Ashby American Legion Post 361 Ashby MA 01431,
•  2pm parade starts, 
• Chicken BBQ at Ashby Legion following the parade (starts around 3:30). Tickets for the Chicken BBQ are $10 and can be reserved at the Legion ahead of time. Includes 1/2 chicken, red skin mashed potatoes, cole slaw, roll and Hoodsie Cup.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting May 31, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

May 31, 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 Corin Campbell as Full-time Patrolman effective 6/4/17 with a One Year Probationary Period

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on 2017 Common Victualler’s License for the “Convenience Mart” located at 1274 Main Street (already approved on 5/19/17)

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

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Re-appointment of Wayne Stacy as MRPC Representative for a One Year Term expiring June 30, 2018 and Chairman’s Signature on Re-appointment Form

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval of Comstar Non-Contractual Write-offs as approved by the Fire Chief

9.      Request for Selectmen to Call Special Election for the Town Meeting Override Ballot and Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Warrant for Override Questions

10.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

11.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

12.  Public Comments (if any)

13.  Adjourn

Selectmen's Agenda for April 19, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

April 19, 2017

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

2.      Update on FY18 School Budget and associated Topics (Superintendent Landers)

3.      Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes

4.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Katherine Lotti to the Historical Commission for a 3 Year Term

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Joseph Monseur as Broadcast Technician, effective immediately

7.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

8.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

9.      Public Comments (if any)

10.  Adjourn

Annual Town Election, Absentee Ballots Available

Election on Monday, April 24, 2016, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm at Ashby Elementary School

Specimen Ballot

Absentee Voting

Absentee ballots are available through the Town Clerk’s office. If you physically unable to get out to the polls on election day or are going to be out of town that day you can still vote.

The process is simple! To request an application for yourself or a relative, please call the town clerk’s office (978) 386-2424 ext.10. Ballots can be mailed back but must arrive by the close of the polls on Election Day.

If you have any questions please give me a call. We want everyone to have the opportunity to vote!!

Christina Ewald, Town Clerk

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting April 5, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

April 5, 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.      Tree Warden Update (Allan Dawson)

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Judith Fenerty as Part-time Dispatcher effective 3/23/17

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Dylan Denis as Part-time Reserve Police Officer effective 4/9/17 with a probationary Period of One Year

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Sean Sheridan as E-911 Coordinator, Fill-in Term until June 30, 2017 (requested by Alan Pease)

8.      Discussion re:  Disposition of Maja Hall

9.      Discussion re:  Inclusion of temporary Moratorium on Recreational Marijuana Establishments on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant

10.  Request for Selectmen to review and approve Warrant Articles on the Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrants

11.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

12.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

13.  Public Comments (if any)

14.  Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting March 22, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

March 22, 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 Daniel Adorn as Full-time Dispatcher effective March 26, 2017 with a Probationary Period of One Year

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Annual Town Election Warrant (4)

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Annual Re-Appointment of Joe Mazzola as Veteran’s Agent for a one-year term ending April 30, 2018

7.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

8.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

9.      Public Comments (if any)

10.  Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting March 8, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

March 8, 2017

1. 7:00 PM – Selectmen open Board of Selectmen’s meeting

2. Selectmen approve minutes of previous meeting(s)

3. Selectmen approve and sign payroll and vendor warrants

4. Request for Selectmen’s approval and signatures on Comstar contractual write-offs

5. Request for Selectmen’s approval and signature for two (2) one-day liquor licenses for the                   Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club.

6. Request for Selectmen’s appointment of Corin Campbell as part-time Reserve Police Officer,   effective 3/12/2017, with a one-year probationary period.

7. Request for Selectmen’s appointment of Peter Niall as Building Inspector for a one year term, April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

8. Request for Selectmen’s appointment of Richard Hanks as Building Inspector (Alternate) for a        one-year term, April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

9. Request for Selectmen’s appointment of Paul Lessard as Electrical Inspector for a one-year       term, April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

10, Request for Selectmen’s appointment of Harry Parviainen as Assistant Electrical Inspector for a one-year term, April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

11. Request for Selectmen’s approval of the Building Inspector’s appointments of Richard           Kapenas as Plumbing and Gas Inspector and Gary Williams as Plumbing and Gas         Inspector (Alternate) to one-year terms, April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

12. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Deb Vogt to the Board of Registrars of Voters for a           three-year term, ending March 31, 2020.

13. Request for the Selectmen’s Appointment of Krishnabi as Alternate to the Board of    Registrars of Voters for a one-year term, ending March 31, 2018.

14. Any other business not reasonably anticipated by the Chairman

15. Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

16. Public comments (if any)

17. Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting February 22, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

February 22, 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 Comstar Non-Contractual Write-offs

5.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

6.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

7.      Public Comments (if any)

8.      Adjourn

Agend for Selectmen's Meeting February 8, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

February 8, 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 FY10 CDBG Grant Recipient Subordination of Mortgage Lien Agreement (Tax Collector)

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

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Judith Fenerty as Part-time Dispatcher, effective 2/12/17 with a Probationary Period of 1 Year

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Donald Richards as Highway Truck Driver/Laborer with a Probationary Period of 1 Year

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

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 January 25, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA
January 25, 2017
1. 7:00 p.m. - Selectmen Open Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
2. Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes
3. Request for Selectmen’s Approval to Deficit Spend for Winter Operations (Highway Department)
4. Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants
5. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Letter of Thanks to Lorraine Pease
6. Request for Selectmen to Declare a Fire Protection Emergency
7. Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman
8. Assistant Town Administrator’s Report
9. Public Comments (if any)
10. Adjourn

Nomination Papers Available for Annual Town Election

Nomination papers are available for the 2017 Town Election at the Town Clerk's office. More information at http://ashbyma.gov/clerk/election-town-2017.html

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting on January 11, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

January 11, 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 FY10 CDBG Grant Recipient Subordination of Mortgage Lien Agreement (Tax Collector)

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

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Re-Appointment of Steve Beauregard as Acting Highway Superintendent

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Chris Ewald as Backup Veterans' Graves Agent, Fill-in Term to expire June 30, 2017

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Erik Salo as Full-time Police Officer, effective 1/22/17, Contingent upon Successful Completion of Required Conditions

9.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Fire Truck Lease

10.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

11.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

12.  Public Comments (if any)

13.  Adjourn

Immediate Opening for Public Safety Dispatcher

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