Globe North News Briefs
Chelsea
City councilors meet as a committee of the whole at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall to discuss ways to increase revenue. Two options involve taxes: a .75 percent local meals tax and an increase in the hotel/motel tax from 4 percent to 6 percent. Another is to continue the policy of having separate tax rates for residents and businesses, and then to decide how much of the residential tax burden to shift to businesses. Chelsea has historically had a split tax rate. Councilors are set to vote on this year’s tax classification on Nov. 23. City Manager Jay Ash will make a presentation to councilors on both issues, and give an update on the city’s financial condition.- John Laidler
Nahant
SWIM FUND-RAISER - Nahant-based Safer Waters in Massachusetts plans to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Monday fund-raiser at the Tides Restaurant. From 6 to 9 p.m., 10 percent of all sales will go to the organization, which works to protect the waters of the North Shore from pollution. SWIM is also seeking donations for a raffle; call Nancy Hodgson Smith at 781-581-1662. For more information, e-mail nahantswim@verizon.net, or call 781-581-0075.- David Rattigan
North Reading
VETERANS’ FILM DEBUTS - North Reading Elder Services will be showing a documentary film titled “For Home and Country’’ at the Edith O’Leary Senior Center at the Third Meeting House on the Common, 157 Park St. The film revolves around accounts given by five North Reading residents who are veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Iraq, said Mary Prenney, director of elder affairs, who produced the film. The film script was written by Nancy Parsons and filmed by Ron Carbone of North Reading Cable Access and Media. It includes local footage and music by the Senior Echoes Chorus. For more information on the viewing schedule, contact Prenney at 978-664-5600. - Bella Travaglini Somerville
TRASH CONTRACT UP - It’s everyone’s favorite time of year in Somerville: Time to renegotiate the trash and recycling contract. Last year the city avoided the fracas by extending its five-year agreement with Somerville-based Fred W. Russell & Sons. Though a new trash task force revised specs before issuing the July 1 bid, it looks like Russell will be back, according to data provided by city budget analyst Matthew Dias. In interviews with the city’s trash task force, Russell ranked lower on innovation than competing bidders Capitol Waste Services, Wilmington
PLANNING THE INTERCHANGE - Consultants working on plans for the new Interstate 93 interchange at the confluence of Tewksbury, Wilmington, and Andover are seeking input from local residents. Vanasse Hangen Burstlin Inc. and Ferrell Madden Lewis LLC are working to develop codes that will set the stage for development of about 700 acres of land around the interchange. The codes will establish a design framework and goals for the project, which is expected to go before voters at special town meetings in October 2010. Residents who wish to contribute their thoughts on the future use of the land are asked to contact their town planners. Wilmington town planner Carole Hamilton may be reached via e-mail at plan&cons@town.wilmington.ma.us. The next meeting on the project is slated for Nov. 19 at Andover Town Hall. - Brenda J. Buote
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