Globe Northwest community briefing
Social worker to be hired in Acton
November 9, 2008
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ACTON
Town Manager Steve Ledoux has approved the position of a community services coordinator. "The person in this role will help people in need and point them to services in the area," said Lauren Rosenzweig chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen. The social worker position was approved at Town Meeting in the spring, but hiring was put on hold when the town stopped hiring new personnel until each new request could be scrutinized. Rosenzweig said the town decided the state of the economy made the position essential as need for services rise. The position is for 19 hours a week and the pay will be in the $30,000 range, according to the town manager's office. - Julia Quinn-SzcesuilARLINGTON
LEASH LAWS TOPIC OF FORUMS - Several meetings have been scheduled to address Arlington's policies concerning leash laws for dogs. A new "Green Dog" plan has been introduced, and is "seeking to create a townwide compromise for public land use between those residents who wish to recreate with off-leash dogs and those residents who do not want to encounter off-leash dogs in recreational spaces," according to the town's website, town.arlington.ma.us. Friction between dog owners and other residents has been ongoing since 2007, when meetings were first held to hear public opinion on the original "Green Dog" plan but no action was taken. Meetings will be held on Nov. 13 and 20, with another tentatively scheduled for Dec. 4. All meetings will be held at the Arlington Senior Center at 7 p.m. - Sarah MetcalfAYER
DEVENS DISCUSSIONS SET - Selectmen will meet informally with directors of MassDevelopment on Thursday afternoon to discuss issues concerning the disposition of the former active-duty Army base. Discussions will begin at 1 p.m., following the monthly meeting of the quasi-state economic development agency at Devens, which is overseeing the redevelopment of the former base. Likely topics will range from making Devens an energy-efficient community to development possibilities for the northern portion of the complex that juts into Ayer, Ayer Town Administrator Shaun Suhoski said. - Davis BushnellBEDFORD
NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AVAILABLE - Bedford residents can now subscribe to the town's new emergency notification system, Connect-CTY. This automated voicemail system can be used to distribute a recorded message from an authorized official to all of its subscribers and is used by communities nationwide to inform citizens about urgent situations such as weather hazards, severe traffic problems, or security concerns. To sign up for the free service, go to www.town.bedford.ma.us, or call 781-275-1212, ext. 16. - Nancy Shohet WestBELMONT
PARKING FEES TO RISE - The town has increased parking fees at lots in Belmont Center, Cushing Square and Waverley Square beginning Jan. 1. The hourly rate will go from 40 cents to 60 cents; the daily rate, $2 to $3; and a monthly pass will go from $40 to $60. Also, the minimum fee has gone from 5 cents for seven minutes to 20 cents for 20 minutes.
- Jennifer Fenn Lefferts
BILLERICA
REPAVING TO AFFECT TRAFFIC - A $6 million reconstruction of Concord Road will affect commuters this week as the final paving is completed. Commuters traveling from the town center toward Middlesex Turnpike will be rerouted and traffic delays are anticipated. - Joyce Pellino CraneBOXBOROUGH
DPW DIRECTOR SOUGHT - Boxborough is seeking a director for the Department of Public Works. After the previous director's contract was not renewed in the spring, the Department of Public Works Restructuring Committee and the Board of Selectmen worked closely to finalize the job description before posting the vacancy last week. Tom Garmon has been serving as acting director. The town, said Garmon, is looking for someone who can perform the physical tasks that are required of the job while also managing the department and its budget. The town hopes to have the full-time position filled by Jan. 1, said Town Administrator Selina Shaw. - Julia Quinn-SzcesuilBURLINGTON
TAX RATE EXPECTED TO RISE - The Board of Selectmen will meet tomorrow night to set the tax rate for fiscal year 2009. The board is expected to approve a new rate following a hearing and a recommendation from the Board of Assessors. Last year, the board approved an increase of less than 1 percent, bringing the average residential tax bill to $3,903, according to Treasurer Brian Curtin. The residential rate for fiscal year 2008 was $9.60 for every $1,000 of the assessed value. The business rate was $26.30 per $1,000. Curtin said town officials are looking at an increase of about 4 percent. - Jennifer Fenn LeffertsCARLISLE
INTERNET LESSONS WEDNESDAY - The Gleason Public Library invites any citizens who do not feel up to speed on Internet capabilities to attend an introductory computer course Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Reference librarians will demonstrate simple techniques for conducting basic searches that make use of journals, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, and other sources to find information. Registration is free, but please call to reserve a space: 978-369-4898. - Nancy Shohet WestCONCORD
TASK FORCE TO REPORT IN - The West Concord Task Force is expected to go before the Board of Selectmen next week to update members on its progress since being formed last spring. The group is looking at issues facing West Concord, such as how the village can retain its identity and natural resources in the face increasing growth and traffic. It is expected to develop a plan of action and present recommendations to Town Meeting in the spring. Selectmen chairman Gregory Howes said the task force is meeting with the board on Nov. 17 to give a preliminary report. - Jennifer Fenn LeffertsHARVARD
LIQUOR LICENSE MEASURE IN EFFECT - Establishments with a seating capacity of at least 100 may now apply to the Board of Selectmen for a liquor license, following overwhelming approval of a ballot question last Tuesday. The vote was 2,817 to 542 in favor of the measure. A similar question had also been approved in 2004 and 2006, but a third approval was required to make the provision legally binding. Currently, the only organization that meets the seating requirement is Fruitlands Museum.
- Davis Bushnell
DENTAL APPOINTMENTS NOV. 17 - The Mobile Access to Care Van, which provides free dental care to students 18 years or younger who would not otherwise have access to care, is scheduled to visit Minuteman Regional High School on Nov. 17. More than 30 students will be seen, according to program manager Ellen Factor, who noted that two recent graduates of Minuteman's Dental Assistant Program will be volunteering their services during the mobile van's visit to the school. Michael Henry, a 2005 graduate from Maynard, serves as the van coordinator. Roberta Gaura, a 2008 graduate from Marlborough, will help provide the preselected students with comprehensive dental care, including sealants, exams, X-rays, and restorative work if needed. Since February 2007, more than 1,700 Massachusetts children have received treatment on the van. - Brenda J. BuoteLITTLETON
SCHOOL REPAIR PROJECT ADVANCES - The School Building Committee recently submitted its recommendation to the Board of Selectmen that Daedalus Projects Inc., of Boston be given a contract to serve as owner's project manager for the upcoming Russell Street School repair project. The Massachusetts School Building Authority will need to grant final approval of the selection before the contract can be awarded. Because much of the school's infrastructure is over 40 years old, town voters recently approved funds for a feasibility/design study to make necessary repairs and bring the school into compliance with accessibility requirements. - Nancy Shohet WestMEDFORD
CABLE COMPANY CRITICIZED IN HEARING - Medford Community - Brad Kane
NORTH READING
SHORTFALL ON AGENDA - The Board of Selectmen plans to meet with the Finance Committee and the School Committee tomorrow to discuss proposals for closing a $261,000 shortfall in the town's estimated budget for the upcoming fiscal year. While North Reading officials acknowledged last month that the town's deficit could be as high as $730,000, almost two-thirds of that estimate are attributed to uncollected tax revenue, which does not need to be made up for the upcoming fiscal year, chairman Robert Mauceri said last week. The Board of Selectmen and school Superintendent David Troughton have each implemented hiring freezes in recent weeks.
- Richard Thompson
READING
FIRETRUCK TO BE UNVEILED - Town Meeting members have one more reason to be excited. The Fire Department plans to unveil its newly acquired ladder truck tomorrow night before Town Meeting, almost one year after voters authorized Reading officials to borrow $850,000 to purchase the replacement truck. Town Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at Reading Memorial High School and continue every Monday and Thursday until business is concluded. The firetruck will be on display in the parking lot from 6:45 p.m. until the start of the meeting.- Richard Thompson
SHIRLEY
TRASH FUNDS APPROVED - The trash will get picked up after all. At last Tuesday's election, voters approved a Proposition 2 1/2 override to allocate an additional $98,500 to curbside trash and recycling, said Town Clerk Amy McDougall. If the override had not passed, trash pickup would have stopped in March, she said. Voters also approved $17,000 for the library and an additional $48,000 to the Police Department to restore one officer whose position was cut, McDougall said. But the $100,434 override for the Fire Department failed, McDougall said. The department had to lay off half of its firefighters this year due to budget cuts. - Julie MasisSTONEHAM
PRIOR'S EFFORTS TO BE RECOGNIZED - The Chamber of Commerce will honor this year's recipient of the Stoneham Superstar designation, James Prior of Valley Road, at its Crystal Ball on Saturday, said Sharon Iovanni, executive director. Prior was nominated by the owners of Certainly Wood of Reading, who are chamber members. Prior helped found Stoneham High School's Athletic Hall of Fame and has been active in the town's youth sports programs. He is currently raising funds for holiday lights in Stoneham square. "Jim has a strong, strong desire to make Stoneham a great place to live," says Iovanni. The Crystal Ball, a black-tie optional evening, will be held at Montvale Plaza beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $55 per person or $500 for a table of 10. Proceeds from the event are used to fund the chamber's scholarship program. For more information, contact the chamber at 781-438-0001. - Bella TravagliniWILMINGTON
VETERANS DAY EVENTS - In addition to a Veterans Day honor guard of firefighters, police officers, and members of the Massachusetts National Guard marching on Town Common this Tuesday, Wilmington's director of Veterans Services promises "a couple of new wrinkles" to the town's annual ceremony. Director Louis Cimaglia said town officials would unveil Wilmington's updated veterans monument, which features new panels honoring residents serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Wilmington Historical Commission is also adding a trove of war memorabilia to the ceremony. Key to the exhibit are hundreds of photographs of area World War II veterans previously archived by the late restaurateur George Spanos. The exhibit will be displayed inside the Fourth of July Building on Town Common. Veterans Day ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. - James O'BrienWINCHESTER
FLU CLINICS - The Winchester Board of Health annual flu clinics begin Thursday at the Jenks Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for residents age 65 and over and high-risk residents, said Jan Byford, administrative secretary. A second clinic for the general public age 4 and over will be held Nov. 17 at the Jenks Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A third clinic will be held at Town Hall on Nov. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the auditorium for the general public age 4 and over. The final clinic for the general public age 4 and over will be held in the auditorium at Town Hall on Nov. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost for the vaccine is $10. For those with Medicare B or an HMO senior card, the vaccine is free. - Bella TravagliniWOBURN
PRINCIPAL, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL TO LEAVE - Woburn Memorial High School will lose its principal and assistant principal at the end of the 2009 school year. Principal Robert Norton, who has been with the school 16 years, is leaving to work closer to his home in New Hampshire. This is his 30th year as a principal, including service at two schools in New Hampshire. Assistant Principal Brian Shaughnessy, who has been with Woburn High for 11 years, is leaving after 34 years in education. Shaughnessy was a math teacher before becoming assistant principal, and he is considering becoming a teacher once again.- Brad Kane
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