Special Town Election, Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Special Election Tuesday, June 26, 2018, noon - 7:30 pm at Ashby Elementary School. Proposition 2 1/2 Capital Expenditure Exclusion. 
Specimen Ballot. 
Information on Proposition 2 1/2

Community Outreach Meeting for a Proposed Marijuana Establishment

A Community Outreach Meeting for a propased marijuan establishment is scheduled for (6/8/18) at (6 pm) at (Ashby Elementary School Gymnasium) The proposed (type(s) of Marijuana Establishment) is Cultivation and manufacturin anticipated to be located at (149 Bennet Rd., Ashby, MA 01431). There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions

The above notice was published in the Sentinel & Enterprise on June 1, 2018. A Community Outreach Meeting is a requirement of an entity applying for a Marijuana Establishment license with the Cannabis Control Commission.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting May 30, 2018

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

May 30, 2018

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 Edward Jack to the Board of Registrars for a three-year fill-in term ending March 31, 2021

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on One Day Liquor Licenses for the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club (3)

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

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Special Election Warrant (5)

8.      Request Selectmen’s action relative to Submissions for Lease of Maja Hall

9.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

10.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

11.  Public Comments (if any)

12.  Adjourn

2017 Annual Town Reports

The 2017 Annual Town Reports are available at;
http://ashbyma.gov/clerk/treport/report17/annual-report-2017-index.html

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting May 2, 2018

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

May 2, 2018

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 Kevin Michaud as Full-time Dispatcher with a Probationary Period of One Year

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Lee Gadway and Matt Leonard to the Agricultural Commission

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Purchase and Sale Agreement on Harris Road Property

7.      Selectmen discuss Special Town Meeting and Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles

6.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

7.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

8.      Public Comments (if any)

9.      Adjourn

Job Opening for Full Time Public Safety Dispatcher

Immediate Opening Ashby Police Department – Full Time Public Safety DispatcherPosition:

Full-Time Dispatcher Salary: $17.96 per Hour Hours: 40 Hours Regular Work Week

Summary of Duties:
Civilian dispatchers work under the direction of the lead dispatcher and fall within the communications division under the supervision of the Chief of Police. Dispatchers are responsible for answering and processing all incoming calls for Police, Fire, EMS, Highway, and Animal Control operations. All 911 calls are received and dispatched through the communications department using a Computer-aided dispatch system (CAD). Responsible for the operation of telephone, radio, and computer related equipment as necessary following established procedures and policies. Duties include conducting law enforcement inquiries, data entry, validation and modification. Receiving and dispatching medical assistance calls including providing pre-arrival instructions.

Selectmen's Meeting Postponed to March 9, 2018 at 4:00 pm

The Selectmen's meeting scheduled for Wednesday , March 7th at 7:00 pm is postponed to Friday, March 9th at 4:00 pm in Town Hall. The agenda remains the same.

March 7, 2018

March 9, 2018

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 to Sign on Statement of Intent to Execute and Record Historic Preservation Restriction (Alan Pease & Doug Leab)

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on FY10 CDBG Grant Recipient Discharge of Mortgage Agreements

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Nadine Callahan as Council on Aging Member for a fill-in Term to end June 30, 2018

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Linda Mikkola as Council on Aging Member for a fill-in Term to end June 30, 2018

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Florence Bryan as Historical Commission Member for a fill-in Term to end June 30, 2020

9.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Contract Amendment for Water Project

10.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval of Proposed Police Policies:  Eyewitness Identification (Revised) and Police Department CCTV Guidelines (New)

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 7, 2018

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

March 7, 2018

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 to Sign on Statement of Intent to Execute and Record Historic Preservation Restriction (Alan Pease & Doug Leab)

5.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on FY10 CDBG Grant Recipient Discharge of Mortgage Agreements

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Nadine Callahan as Council on Aging Member for a fill-in Term to end June 30, 2018

7.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Linda Mikkola as Council on Aging Member for a fill-in Term to end June 30, 2018

8.      Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Florence Bryan as Historical Commission Member for a fill-in Term to end June 30, 2020

9.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Contract Amendment for Water Project

10.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval of Proposed Police Policies:  Eyewitness Identification (Revised) and Police Department CCTV Guidelines (New)

11.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

12.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

13.  Public Comments (if any)

14.  Adjourn

Ashby's Open Space & Recreation Plan Update

YOU ARE INVITED TO A DISCUSSION OF opinions and preferences For Ashby’s Open Space and Recreation Plan UPDATE

SATURDAY MARCH 10 – 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Town Hall, first floor 

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS?

WANT MORE ACTIVE RECREATION IN TOWN?

COME TALK TO US! WE NEED YOUR INPUT.

Light refreshments served.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting February 21, 2018

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

February 21, 2018

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

6.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

7.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

8.      Comments (if any)

9.      Adjourn

Selectmen's Meeting Postponed to Thursday, February 8th

The regularly Selectmen's meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2018 is postponed until Thursday, February, 8, 2018 at 7:00 pm. The agenda remains the same.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting February 7, 2018

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

February 7, 2018

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

2.      Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

4.      Discussion re:  DLTA Application (Alan Pease)

5.   Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Tricia Foster as Planning Board Member

      until the Next Town Election (Alan Pease)

6.   Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Wayne Stacy as Planning Board

      Associate Member .(Alan Pease)

7.  Request Selectmen’s declaration that Maja Hall is available for lease by the Town,

      with terms providing primary consideration for an Ashby-based organization, or

      an organization providing services primarily to Ashby citizens.

  

       8.  Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on One Day Liquor Licenses

      for the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club (2)

       9.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

     10.  Comments (if any)

     11.  Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting January 24, 2018

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

January 24, 2018

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

Public Forum on Proposed Recreational Marijuana Zoning Bylaw

Public Forum on Proposed Recreational Marijuana Zoning Bylaw

at 7:45 pm, Wed., January 24th in Town Hall, Ashby Planning Board. All are Welcome to Attend and Comment - http://ashbyma.gov/plan/zone-amend.html for more information

Summary of Proposed Bylaw to Regulate Recreational Marijuana Cultivation, Manufacture and Sales

Residential District; the area around center of town except for Residential Commercial B District.

• Not permitted.

Residential Agricultural District; outlying areas, the majority of the town is in this district.

• Cultivation (growing) at up to 4 locations by special permit. Indoors not to exceed 1,000 square feet of growing area, outdoors not to exceed 5,000 square feet. Sales to the public are prohibited.

Residential Commercial A District; located along Fitchburg State Rd. from 119 almost to Fitchburg town line.

• Not permitted.

Residential Commercial B District; this is the district that runs west from the center of town to the Fire Station along Rt. 119.

• 1 location for retail sales of marijuana by special permit. Cannot be within 500 feet of school property. Can be in same location with other types of retail sales.

Industrial District; located along Fitchburg State Rd. in the area of Madigan’s (formerly Micro-Tool).

• Cultivation (growing) or manufacture of marijuana products at 1 location. No size limit. Permitted by special permit. Sales to the public are prohibited.

Comment; 7:45 pm, Wed., January 24th in Town Hall. Written comment accepted.

http://ashbyma.gov/plan/zone-amend.html for more information.

Nomination Papers Available for Annual Town Election

Positions Available for Annual Town Election, April 23, 2018

Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk's office during regular business hours.

Schedule for nominations, registering to vote and election

Position	Current Office Holder
Selectman, 3 years	Michael McCallum
Assessor, 3 years
Collector, 3 years	Beth Ann Scheid
Constable 1 year
Board of Health, 3 years	Scott LeClerc
Board of Health, 2 years
Planning Board, 5 years	Jean Lindquist
Cemetery Commissioner, 3 years
Park Commissioner, 3 years
Park Commissioner, 1 year
Library Trustee, 3 years	John Mickola
Library Trustee, 3 years	Michelle Thomas
Library Trustee, 3 years	Roberta Flashman
Library Trustee, 2 years	William Pineda
Tree Warden, 2 years

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting January 10, 2018

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

January 10, 2018

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 to Deficit Spend for Winter Operations (Highway Department)

5.      Selectmen Rescind Vote to Raise 2018 Class II Motor Vehicle License Fee

6.      Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on FY10 CDBG Grant Recipient Subordination of Mortgage Lien Agreement (Tax Collector)

7.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

8.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

9.      Public Comments (if any)

10.  Adjourn

New Tax Bill Format & Combined Tax Bills

NEW TAX BILL LAYOUT

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

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

                2-window envelope                       RealEstate                          PersonalProperty

COMBINED TAX BILLS

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

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

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

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting December 27, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

December 27, 2017

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

2.      Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

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

v  Camp Middlesex

v  Convenience Mart

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

v  Tip Top Motors                                   Class II

v  Tracy’s Auto Body and Sales             Class II

6.      Selectmen Discuss Liquor License Fees for Calendar Year 2018

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

v  873 Roadhouse, LLC - All Alcoholic Restaurant License

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

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

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

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

9.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

10.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

11.  Public Comments (if any)

12.  Adjourn

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting on December 13, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

December 13, 2017

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

2.      Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

4.      Community Choice Power Program (Alan Pease)

5.      Energy Efficiency Committee Update (Jim Hubert)

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

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

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

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

v  873 Cafe

v  American Legion

v  Ashby Market

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

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

v  B&Z Enterprises                                 Class II

v  G&M Automotive                              Class II

12.  Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

13.  Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

14.  Public Comments (if any)

15.  Adjourn

Ashby Band Christmas Concert, Dec. 16th at AES

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

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

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

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

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

Council on Aging Director Position is Available

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

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting November 29, 2017

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

November 29, 2017

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

2.      Selectmen Approve Previous Meeting(s) Minutes

3.      Selectmen Approve and Sign on Payroll and Vendor Warrants

4.      Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Matt Leonard as Tree Warden effective 11/14/17

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

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

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

8.      Any Other Business Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chairman

9.      Assistant Town Administrator’s Report

10.  Public Comments (if any)

11.  Adjourn

Bids Are Solicited for Surplus Town Equipment

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

                                                                 TOWN OF ASHBY

                                          SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

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

·         6 yard stainless steel Torwel sander, pony motor driven

·         6 yard stainless steel Torwel sander, converted to hydraulic

·         Two (2) Wisconsin pony motors

·         Ariens 7hp snow blower, model 1099s

·         Pressure washer, model 1404

·         2003 Ford 350 Pickup 4x4

·         1949 Ford Tractor model 8N

·         2008 Ford Crown Vic

·         Western style horse saddle

·         2004 Ford F-450 ambulance (diesel)

·         Generator, trailer mounted

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

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

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

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

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

Robert B. Hanson

Town Administrator/Procurement Officer

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                            BID FORM

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

            Bid: $___________               

(same number in words) ___________________________________

2. For 6 yard Torwel sander, converted to hydraulic

            Bid: $___________

            (same number in words) ____________________________________

3. For Wisconsin pony motors (two available)

               Bid: $ ______________ each

               (same number in words) ___________________________________

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

               Bid $ _______________

               (same number in words) ___________________________________

5. For pressure washer, model 1404

                Bid $ _______________

                (same number in words) ___________________________________

6. For 2003 Ford 350 pickup 4x4

              Bid $ __________________

              (same number in words) ______________________________________

7. For 1949 Ford tractor Model 8N

              Bid $ __________________

              (same number in words) ______________________________________

7. For 2008 Ford Crown Vic

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

8. For western style horse saddle

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

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

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

10. For trailer-mounted generator

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

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

                 Bid $ _________________

                  (same number in words) _____________________________________

Bid Submitted by:

Name: ________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________

Contact phone ___________________________________________________

Signed _____________________________________