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.

Selectmen's Meeting for August 3, 2011, 7:00 pm

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, August 3, 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 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 Signatures on CDBG FY10 Modification of Mortgage for

Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #3 (MRPC)

7. Request for Selectmen’s 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 Change Order #1 for

Wheeler Road Project (MRPC)

9. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on 2011 Common Victualler’s

License for the Community Council

10. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Tim Seymour as North Middlesex Area

Emergency Planning Committee (NMAEPC) Alternate Member (Fire Chief)

11. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Faith Anttila as Council on Aging

Member for FY2012

12. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Town Counsel

Determination Form for Review of Recycling Services Agreement

13. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

14. Public Comments (if any)

15. Adjourn

Truck Driver/Laborer Position Available

The Town of Ashby Highway Department is now accepting job applications for a fulltime Truck Driver/Laborer starting immediately. Job responsibilities include: operating trucks & attachments, general labor, and limited mechanical work. Applicant must possess a Class A or B truck license with Air & General endorsements and a minimum Class 2B hoisting license. Applicant will have to pass a pre-employment drug test & be enrolled in the Town’s drug and alcohol program. Applicant must be able to work overtime when needed, including snow removal operations. Interested parties may obtain a job application with general information at the Ashby Highway Department, 92 Breed Road, Ashby, MA 01431. Please direct inquiries to William A. Davis, Highway Superintendent at 978-386-2272, M – F, between 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Applications must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2011. The Town of Ashby is an EOE and AAE.

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA July 20, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 1 and July 6, 2011

3. Selectmen Approve Vendor Warrant W56B in the amount of $____________, Payroll

Warrant W03P in the amount of $______________ and Vendor Warrant W04B in the

amount of $_________

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

Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #1 (MRPC)

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

Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #2 (MRPC)

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

Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #3 (MRPC)

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

Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #4 (MRPC)

8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on MRPC Hazard Mitigation

Update Letter (MRPC)

9. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Land Use Agent Contract

(Alan Pease)

10. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund

Transfer #11-56 in the amount of $158.22 to the Firefighter EMT Overtime

Expense Account

11. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund

Transfer #11-57 in the amount of $840.00 to the RCTS - Trucking Expense

Account

12. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund

Transfer #12-01 in the amount of $151.04 to the Police Expenses Account (Chief

Drew)

13. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund

Transfer #12-02 in the amount of $647.90 to the Police Expenses Account (Chief

Drew)

14. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Fred Alden as Police Sergeant (Chief

Drew)

15. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Tim Seymour as Emergency

Management Services Deputy Director (Mike Bussell)

16. Request for Selectman’s Approval and Signature on January, 2011 Snowstorm

FEMA Forms

17. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Dave Boutwell from

the Historical Commission

18. Request for Selectmen’s Award of Fuel Bids for FY12

19. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

20. Public Comments (if any)

21. Selectmen Enter Executive Session to Conduct Strategy Session in Preparation for

Negotiations with Non-union Personnel or Contract Negotiations with Non-union

Personnel and will Reconvene in Open Session

22. Adjourn

Results of Economic Development Survey

• Results of Sustainable Rural Economic Development Plan Public Visioning Session May 21, 2011, by MRPC. There will be another Public Session in early Spetember.

• Results of Ashby Economic Development Survey Spring/Summer 2011, by Chris Ryan, Land Use Agent

  The economic development plan focuses specifically on the economy including the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that relate to Ashby and its economic present and future. The economic development plan process seeks to assist Ashby to develop goals, objectives, and policies that are intended to execute a future vision for the community

Fascinating Rhythms

Tuesday, July 19 at 3:00 pm at the Library

This interactive program begins with Cornell Coley aka "Sugarfoot" introducing the concept of the body as the first instrument. He then starts playing polyrhythms on larger drums, accompanied by their dances. The finale is an audience jam session - a boisterous carnival of drum and dance! 60-minutes, Ages K - 12, open to the public. A video of the finale at Peabody Essex Museum.

Selectmen's Agenda for July 6, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of June 1, 22 and 30, 2011

3. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W53P in the amount of $__________, Vendor Warrant W54B in the amount of $_________

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

5. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for Reserve Fund Transfers

6. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

7. Public Comments (if any)

8. Adjourn

July 3rd Bonfire Schedule

July 3rd bonfire schedule,

• Chicken Barbecue at 5:00
• Band Concert at 7:00
• Bonfire about 9:00

Join the Celebration.

Agenda for Selectmen's Meeting, 6-22-2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of May 25, June 8 and June 15, 2011

3. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W51P in the amount of

$47,099.17, Vendor Warrant W52B in the amount of $54,802.36,

Vendor Warrant W52B1 in the amount of $-5,400.00

4. Update on the Forest Legacy Program Southern Monadnock Plateau

Project Phases II & III (Al Futterman)

5. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Wheeler Road Project

Agreement (MRPC)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Year End

Transfer #11-AT2 in the amount of $321.30 to the RCTS – Trash

Disposal Account

7. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Year End

Transfer #11-AT3 in the amount of $803.00 to the RCTS – Trucking

Expense Account

8. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Year End

Transfer #11-AT4 in the amount of $900.00 to the Emergency

Management Expense Account

9. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Year End

Transfer #11-AT5 in the amount of $1,435.83 to the Fire Department

Expense Account

10. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Year End

Transfer #11-AT6 in the amount of $10,000.00 to the Police Wages

Account

11. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Year End

Transfer #11-AT7 in the amount of $2,466.52 to the Highway

Machinery Fund Account

12. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Year End

Transfer #11-AT7 in the amount of $2,566.89 to the Highway Gas

Diesel Account

13. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-48 in the amount of $81.14 to the Fire

Department Expense Account

14. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-49 in the amount of $144.12 to the Fire

Department Expense Account

15. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-50 in the amount of $939.60 to the Library

Building Expense Account

16. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-51 in the amount of $465.54 to the Police

Expense Account

17. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-52 in the amount of $1,629.52 to the

Highway Overtime Account

18. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-53 in the amount of $362.85 to the

Highway Department Expense Account

19. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on MART Advisory

Board Appointment Form

20. Request for Selectmen’s Annual Appointments (see list)

21. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

22. Public Comments (if any)

23. Adjourn

2011 Band Concert Schedule

July 3rd, Band Concert, Barbecue and Bonfire at Allen Field

Band Concerts on the Common

July 13th at 7:00 pm
July 20th at 7:00 pm
July 27th at 7:00 pm
August 3rd at 7:00 pm

all concerts are weather permitting

Special Town Meeting, June 30, 2011

Special Town Meeting, Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Warrant

This is to vote on the Ashby Elementary School roof and window replacement.

To Learn More:

Go to the meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall. A presentation on the window/roof replacement project for Ashby Elementary School will be given by the Project Manager and Architect for the Green Repair Grant.

Wheeler Road Paving to Begin

Wheeler Rd. paving will start Monday, June 20th and continue until June 27th or 28th. Expect travel delays on Wheeler Road

School Roof & Window Replacement Presentation

Joint Board of Selectmen and School Building Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall

A presentation on the window/roof replacement project for Ashby Elementary School will be given by the the Project Manager and Architect for the Green Repair Grant. The public is welcome to attend.

Selectmen's Meeting for June 15, 2011 7:00 pm

Agenda

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

2. Selectmen Discuss Town Administrator Position

3. Solar Project Evaluations (Alan Pease)

4. Selectmen Vote on Special Town Meeting Warrant Article and Close Warrant

5. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Special Town Meeting Warrant Masters (5)

6. Public Comments (if any)

7. Adjourn

Ashby Economic Development Survey

Economic Development Survey Link

This short 28 question survey is part of Ashby's Sustainable Economic Development Plan. This plan is being undertaken by the Town of Ashby’s newly formed Economic Development Committee and is being completed with the assistance of the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission. This survey will provide us with your thoughts about the strengths, challenges and ideas for economic development in Ashby.

A sampling of the questions.

What do you think Ashby's strengths are?

What are Ashby's challenges?

How do you feel about growth and change in Ashby?

What would you like to preserve in the town?

Economic Development Survey Link

Rindge Road Paving

Rindge Rd. paving to begin Monday, May 23rd. Expect delays.

Economic Development Plan Needs Public Input

Sustainable Economic Development Plan Needs Public Input from Business Owners & Citizens

at the Library on Saturday, May 21, at 9:15 am, all are welcome.

The Ashby Economic Development Committee is drafting a Sustainable Economic Development Plan and public input is a critical element of the plan. The plan will include the goals and objectives for the sustainable economic development in Ashby. The Committee needs input from business owners and citizens. We will focus on Ashby's strengths, its weaknesses, and what we, as a group, can do better to improve the viability of the businesses in our community.

An open meeting is scheduled to gain insight from the public concerning future economic development improvements to Ashby. Everyone with an interest in Ashby’s economic development is encouraged to attend including citizens, business owners, local and state officials and others. A visioning session led by Ashby’s Land Use Agent, Chris Ryan and MRPC planner(s) Jennifer Siciliano and John Hume will be part of the meeting.

Memorial Day Event Schedule

Sunday, May 29,

10:00 AM Community Memorial Day Church Services at the First Parish Unitarian


Monday, May 30,

1:30 PM Memorial Services at West Cemetery

1:45 PM All Marching Units Assemble at the American Legion Post 361

2:00 PM March to Revolutionary and 1812 Cemetery

2:15 PM Memorial Day Ceremonies on The Ashby Common

2:30 PM Marching Units Depart to Glenwood Cemetery

3:00 PM Marching Units Depart to Glenwood Cemetery Fire Pond for Sea Service Ceremonies

3:10 PM Marching Units Depart to The Ashby Common

3:20 PM Ceremonies at The Ashby Common to Include Raising of The American Flag and Playing of The National Anthem

3:25 PM Dismissal of All Marching Units.
The Removal of All Decoration's From the Ashby Common

Selectmen's Agenda for May 11, 2011

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Approve Minutes of May 7, 2011

3. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W45P in the amount of

$41,416.43, Vendor Warrant W46B in the amount of $58,251.78,

Vendor Warrant W46B1 in the amount of $__________ and Vendor

Warrant W46B2 in the amount of $6,519.19

4. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on CDBG FY09 Agreement for

Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Ashby Case #9 (MRPC)

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

Request (Highway Superintendent)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of John Hourihan as Parks

Commissioner until the Next Annual Town Election

7. Request for Selectmen’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Nancy

Haines as Town Accountant effective May 27, 2011

8. Request for Selectmen’s Discussion of the Bid Evaluation Process for

the Solar Project (Alan Pease)

9. Request for Selectman’s Signature on Sewage Disposal Works

Construction Permit for Town Hall Septic Tie In

10. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-40 in the amount of $1,015.74 to the

Highway Barn Fuel Expense Account

11. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-41 in the amount of $1,120.79 to the

Highway Gas Diesel Expense Account

12. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signature on Request for

Reserve Fund Transfer #11-42 in the amount of $1,313.25 to the

Police Expenses Account

13. Request for Selectmen’s Approval and Signatures on Year End

Transfer #11-AT1 in the amount of $3,667.73 to the Police Expenses

Account

14. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

15. Public Comments (if any)

16. Adjourn

Annual Town Meeting this Saturday at 9:30 am

Reminder that the Annual Town Meeting is Saturday, May 7th at 9:30 am. The warrant and the budget are available online.

Town Accountant Job Opening

The Town Accountant job has become available if you are any one you know is interested.

Poopapalooza, May 7th, 9:00-Noon

Poop a Palooza

Saturday, May 7th
9:00 – 12:00

Bring a bucket and take away some of the best
fertilizer available!

We haven't been Full of poop
for 10 years for nothing!

All proceeds benefit Grange Charities.

100% Pure Llama Poop

For more information,
please Call the
Duke of Dung,
Tom, at 978-386-2323.

Toy & Book Sale, May 7 on the Common

TOY AND BOOK SALE

All proceeds to benefit the Educational Programming of the Ashby Public Library

Saturday, May 7th 10am-1pm on the Ashby Common

GOT BOOKS?

Please feel free to drop them off at the library at any time!

GOT TOYS?

Drop off date: Wednesday, May 4th from 4-8pm at the Ashby Grange

Or drop them off Saturday, May 7th from 8-10am on the Common

Or email us at friendsofashbylibrary@gmail.com and we’ll pick them

up!

Please only donate gently used toys. We reserve the right to refuse a toy donation.

Annual Town Election, Monday, April 25th

Annual Town Election is Monday April 25, 2011, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm. Sample Ballot

Selectmen's Meeting Agenda for April 27th

SELECTMEN’S MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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

2. Selectmen Elect Board Officers

3. Selectmen Approve Minutes of April 13, 2011

4. Selectmen Approve Payroll Warrant W43P in the amount of

$__________, Vendor Warrant W44B in the amount of $__________

and Vendor Warrant W44B1 in the amount of $_______________

5. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on CDBG FY09 Agreement for

Housing Rehab/Septic Program Participant Hubbardston Case #10

(MRPC)

6. Request for Selectmen’s Appointment of Krishnabai as Alternate to the

Board of Registrars for a one-year term ending March 1, 2012

7. Request for Selectmen’s Signatures on Massachusetts Fire District 8

Mutual Aid Agreement

8. 7:30 p.m. Pre-Town Meeting

9. Assistant to the Board of Selectmen’s Report

10. Public Comments (if any)

11. Adjourn

Energy Efficiency Myths, April 28th in the Library

Is there such a thing as “Clean Coal”? How has Ethanol saved you money? Are replacement windows a quick payback for your investment? Does sealing up your house with insulation cause worse problems? We will talk about answers to these questions and others during this seasonal wrap up. Come and ask questions about efficiency and our future when Ashby’s Energy Efficiency Committee presents its 4^th in a series of energy seminars.

Our presenter will be local conservative Bill Stanwood, who over the past 30 years has gathered knowledge, opinions, and experience in an assortment of environmental and energy related subjects.

On April 28, 2011 at 7 PM at the Ashby Free Public Library Bill will be sharing his perspective on very important questions that will effect our futures and the futures of our children and our grandchildren. Are there solutions? What should we be doing now? Can you stump the conservative? These and other questions will be addressed.

Join us and bring your questions. This presentation will also be broadcast live on Comcast local channel 8/9.

Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, May 7th, 9:30 am

Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, May 7, 2011 at 9:30 am

Fiscal Year 2012 Budget on the Annual Town Meeting

Correction

The original posting for the Annual Town Election had the incorrect date. The correct date is Monday April 25th.

Ballot for Annual Town Election Monday, April 25, 2011, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

http://ci.ashby.ma.us/document/Clerk/results/Speciman%20Ballot110426.pdf