Janet Stoica 
Patriot Correspondent

Meeting notes: 2/6/12

State Representative Kevin Kuros attended Monday’s meeting to give the board an update on the proposed fiscal 2013 state budget. Mr. Kuros stated that “the baseline budget was lower than the prior year’s spending and that the Governor’s budget was 5 ¼% ahead of last year’s spending.” Fiscal year 2012 spending was $33.7 billion vs. the fiscal 2013 proposal of $35.5 billion. Mr. Kuros also stated that he “believes the House Ways & Means Committee will keep local aid level-funded and that the Commonwealth’s Bond Rating has increased.” Additionally, the customary reversionary funds, if any, would not be available until the fall.

Representative Kuros told the board that at Senator Richard Moore’s request, he had joined Senator Moore and Representative Peter Durant in co-sponsoring a bill to rename a section of the local highway in honor of Selectman Anthony DiDonato.

Scott Fenton, president of the Dudley Little League, came before the board to speak about fundraising activities. He also asked for the Town’s annual assistance in setting aside $1,200 towards the cost of lights at the softball field, in addition to looking into solving the continuous water drainage problems at the field. He advised the board that Nichols College was also donating their annual gift of 10 sets of player uniforms as well as sponsoring a baseball clinic for the town’s youngest players. As budget numbers were currently unavailable, the request was tabled but the Board issued favorable comments toward the request.

Fire Chief Dean Kochanowski presented his request for permission to write his annual S.A.F.E.R. Grant for an extra paramedic, which was based on a Mon-Fri 42-hour weekly schedule. If awarded, the grant would cover 100% of wages & benefits for the extra and greatly-needed manpower for two years. Selectman Peter Fox spoke in favor of granting permission and a motion to support Fire Chief Kochanowski’s request was unanimously passed. Board cairman Steven Sullivan, then publicly thanked the Chief for his grant-writing initiatives which had been a strong consideration for his position’s original hiring process.

An overview of the Town’s management letter report from the CPA firm of Scanlon & Assoc. was jointly reported on by Debi Thibaudeau, Town Accountant; Lisa Berg, Principal Assessor; and Richard Carmignani, Jr., Treasurer. Scanlon & Associates had been hired to ensure all Town departments were operating within standardized guidelines, uniform reporting structures, and accounting principles. It was noted that 99% of the recommendations had been implemented.

Ms. Thibaudeau then gave a brief 10-point summary on: 1) Accounting for Trust Funds in Custody of Others; 2) New Accounting & Financial Reporting Requirements for Fund Balances; 3) Credit Card Policies; 4) Procurement-all procurements over $5,000 were to be in writing; 5) Tax Title Reconciliation-all reconciled & balanced; 6) Old Receivables-Ms. Berg stated that research was ongoing for abatements totaling $13,470 from the past 10 years; 7) Contracts & Change Orders-the Town Accountant requires copies of all contracts & change orders; 8) Departmental Turnover Sheets; 9) Other Post-Employment Benefits/Actuarial Valuations-benefit changes for all Town employees/retirees’ effect what the Town owes; and 10) Ambulance Receivables-being closely regulated under Chief Kochanowski’s supervision .

Selectmen then took up their next agenda item on membership for the Capital Improvement Committee: the Town is still seeking one at-large member for the committee, which meets once every six weeks.

A first reading on liquor license policies was also discussed as well as a consideration for the Tree Warden to report to the Highway Superintendent.

Additionally, Selectman Jonathan Ruda made the case for a change in Election Date due to the fact that Town elections interfere with Federal and State elections and also present a newly-elected Board member with the possibility of having to vote on a budget that they had no previous input establishing.

Ora Finn, Town Clerk, indicated that a change would streamline the entire process by saving money on ballot printing, voting machine programming, and avoiding general errors & recounts. Ms. Finn also stated that as a result of the recent Federal Census, there were many precinct changes and Town voters were advised to visit the Town website to determine their new precinct numbers.

Town election workers are still greatly needed for the upcoming March elections. Residents are urged to visit the Town Clerk’s office to learn how they can assist. Due to the Presidents’ Day Holiday on February 20 the next Board meeting is scheduled for February 13.

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - Bay Path Regional Vocational High School Superintendent David Papagni and Business Manager John Lafleche attended last week’s Board of Selectmen meeting to present the cost of the proposed Bay Path Building Project.

Total project cost is $73.8 million, of which Oxford’s share would be $3.3 million. All ten towns in the district, which includes Webster, Dudley, Charlton, Southbridge, Auburn, Spencer, Rutland, and North Brookfield, and Paxton, will have to approve the plan.

Mr. Papagni noted that the school was built 40 years ago, was originally intended for 850 students, and now provides the area’s leading vocational/academic education for 1,100 students.  The school is in need of major repairs and renovation to bring it up to current standards.

He stressed that the proposed renovation and expansion plans reflect the most cost-efficient and state-of-the-art construction available, barring new school fabrication.
  
The proposal will be on the warrant for the May 2 town meeting, and will require a two-thirds majority to pass. The board next met with Oxford School Committee Chairman Brenda Ennis and School Superintendent Allen Himmelberger.   Ms. Ennis requested a partnership with the Board of Selectmen to work together on the FY 2013 budget.

Mr. Himmelberger then commented on the school department’s new home in the Community Center and said he was pleased with the results, thanking the Board and the Town of Oxford for the new location.

Chairman Ennis then informed the board that a contract extension had been offered to Mr. Himmelberger, and also provided an update on the fact that school choice numbers have increased, demonstrating that students want to come into the Oxford Schools.  
She also mentioned the great success of the Junior ROTC Program and the pride it has brought to the Town of Oxford.
 
A “No Name Calling” event was to be held at the high school from Wednesday January 25 through Friday, January 27, to stop name calling at the schools and students were requested to wear black clothing “to help black out name calling.”   The event would conclude with a short play scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday at the high school.  The sophomore class had written and was to perform the play.
 
The board continued the public hearing for selecting the residential tax rate factor, which will determine the percentage of tax to be borne by each class of property for fiscal year 2012. Assessor Chris Pupka notified the board that the state Department of Revenue was “still in the approval process” and that he was “working diligently with the DOR to set the tax factor.” Various property classification forms had been submitted and were awaiting DOR approval.     The hearing was continued to February 7, 2012, at 7:50 p.m.
 
The board held a public hearing on P&D Pizza’s request for four automatic amusement licenses (two pinball and two video games) presented by Mr. Ted Efstathiou.   All abutters had been notified of the request and as no public comments arose, selectmen unanimously approved Mr. Efstathiou’s request.

Also on the board’s agenda was a signage request for Wellington Brook.  Mr. Glenn Krevosky presented his case for correcting the Route 12 signs to reflect the rightful name of the waterway from Triphammer to Wellington Brook.  Mr. Krevosky provided extensive research, including correspondence from the Charles H. Wellington Trust dating back to 1939, as well as FEMA maps. The board unanimously approved writing a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to change the two signs to the correct name.

The presidential primary is March 6; February 15 is the last day to register to vote in the primary.

Chairman Jennie Caissie requested that Town Manager Joseph Zeneski look into audio-visual improvements for the meeting room used by the Board of Selectmen and other town boards in order to improve quality for those viewing the meetings at home.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

Are the Webster town stickers for ease of resident entrance and access to the beach, compost facility, beach maintenance, funding operations and repairs to the facilities, cost of monitoring and safety of the beach, or just an unnecessary expense for the residents? The answer is all of the above except for the latter.

Once again, the issue of the town sticker floated to the surface during the Board of Selectmen’s Meeting on Monday, January 23, and it was completely clarified that the sticker is not a parking fee.

During the town meeting on October 17, a citizen petition was voted by the residents in attendance to change the cost of the sticker from thirty-five dollars to one dollar for town residents. Officials kept reiterating that the sticker price is not a parking fee but a fee for use of the compost facility and upkeep of the beach and recreation area.

Town Administrator John McAuliffe stated that Chapter 334 of 1958 in the town by-laws states that the town may charge out of town residents a fee but says nothing in regard to residents being exempt from any fees. “You might feel like it’s a great victory to say no more thirty-five dollar fee, we will go back to a dollar, I guess we’ll go back to zero, but that does mean the compost facility is not going to be funded. It does mean that any operation at the beach is not going to be funded.” McAuliffe stated.

Selectman Deborah A. Keefe brought forth the issue of checking cars at the gate without the sticker on the windshield. “We cannot afford to have twenty, thirty cars lined up checking registrations to see whether or not they are Webster residents. And that’s what would happen if we don’t have a sticker on your car.” Keefe said.

Selectman Keefe went on to state that without the funding, there would be no lifeguards, no police monitoring trash throwing or cleanup. “I hate to say it but in this day in age, if you don’t have people monitoring it, the place becomes a dump…So, without some form of revenue associated with maintaining the compost and the beach, and I said from day one, it is not, not a parking pass, it is the use of the access of the location.” Keefe stated.

Another issue is without stickers; people would have to be hired to check the registrations and driver’s license of every vehicle coming into the beach. This means that town residents who once had free rein to drive right in would also have to wait in line to be checked. The longer the line, the longer the wait. Keefe went on to state that she hoped the residents understand what the board is trying to do is maintain the safety, usage and upkeep of both the beach and the compost facility. If the fee did not exist, then it would have to be added to the town budget and that burden would be put on all residents.

Town Administrator McAuliffe stated that the fee is a voluntary one. If residents do not wish to use the compost facility or the beach, they are not liable for the fee.

It was unanimously voted to keep the fee at thirty-five dollars. There will be a provision for families with two vehicles to obtain a second sticker if both registrations are brought in at the same time.

Also on the agenda was the Sex Offender By-law update. The updated article is slated to be on the warrant for the May town meeting.

Cindy Howard and Linda Cournoyer from the Center of Hope gave an overview of their mission and invited the Board of Selectmen to tour their facility to see the work they perform for the surrounding communities. The Center of Hope Foundation provides people with disabilities and their families with the resources, services and opportunities to be contributing members of their communities and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible. The board stated their appreciation for their cause and agreed to meet at some point in support of the center.

The remaining sewer abatements were accepted.

Arthur Hunt was named as new manager of the 200 Sportsmen’s Club.

A Class II License application for 8 East Main Street was tabled until further information on the facility could be gathered.

The board voted and approved four articles sponsored by the Town Administrator to be voted on at the Special Town Meeting, Monday, February 13. The articles will be posted in the Patriot Newspaper.

State Representative Kevin Kuros was also on the agenda to give a local update but could not make the Board of Selectmen’s Meeting due to a State of the State Address.

Dudley Selectmen’s’ Mtg. – January 23, 2012

by Janet Stoica

Police Chief Steven Wojnar addressed the board regarding the official declaration of a Sergeant position opening in August.  Chief Wojnar recommended Officer Philip Megas for training at the Police Academy and also reviewed Officer Megas’ accomplishments of the past year including his initiative of working three shifts weekly and the fact that Officer Megas is fluent in additional languages including Romanian and Greek.  Officer Megas said he “would appreciate the opportunity to serve.”

Funding for the new Sergeant’s salary will come from the department’s salary account.  The board approved the selection and Officer Megas will attend the March 12 Police Academy class.

The board reviewed the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council Mutual Aid Agreement between Dudley and 48 additional  municipalities.  The agreement consists of standard procedures for regionalizing operations using S.W.A.T. Teams, accident reconstruction teams, etc., allowing Dudley to share regional resources for such activities.   The board unanimously approved the agreement.

The next agenda item was a Letter of Support for a $310,000 grant for regionalizing municipal storm water management in Central Massachusetts through collaborative policy development.  The grant’s lead applicant was the Town of Spencer.    Additional towns participating include:  Auburn, Charlton, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, Oxford, Paxton, Shrewsbury, Sturbridge, Webster, and West Boylston.   The purpose of the multi-town initiative is to address common priorities relating to storm water management and to develop a regional approach for protecting water quality for current users and future generations.  This joint effort is designed to achieve service efficiencies and realize cost savings through the collaboration of education and training, sharing a common database management system, and the standardization of policies and procedures.  The Board unanimously voted to approve the motion to send the Letter of Support.

Town Clerk Ora Finnn advised the selectmen of the need for a new Constable after the departure of Constable Steven Sutton, who had moved out of Dudley.   The term was for a one (1) year unexpired term and the Board unanimously approved the motion to place the opening on the upcoming election lists for May 7, 2012.

Other items then accepted and approved included acceptance and approval of warrant articles dates:   Open Warrant, 2/6/12; Warrant Closure, 3/2/12 @ 1:00p.m.; and Posting Deadline, 5/7/12.

A review of upcoming Earth Day activities ensued with a public request for additional volunteers and groups to participate.  Dan Gion, Highway Superintendent, noted that the Highway Dept will provide a dumpster as well as trash bags.   It was suggested that groups and individuals wishing to participate and to make Earth Day a success should contact the Board of Health at 949-8017 or the Board of Selectmen at 949-8001.   Selectmen unanimously granted permission to hold Earth Day on Saturday, April 21, from 9am – 12noon at the Highway Garage on Indian Road.   Rain date would be April 28.

Selectmen then approved the use of the Clarinda Wood Fund to pay for preventive health immunizations for Dudley residents held in December 2011.

Mr. David Theriault of Circle Drive came before the board to review drainage easements for Lot 14 on Circle Drive mentioning that these issues dated back to 2004 and precluded Dudley’s acceptance of  Circle Drive as a Town road.  After the Board’s review, Selectman Joseph requested that Town Administrator Jankowski obtain copies of Town Counsel Bracket’s opinion(s) on the situation further stating that “all parties must get together to try to resolve the matter.”   The drainage easement issue would be revisited at a later date.

Selectman Joseph then invited Fire Chief Kochanowski, Police Chief Wojnar, and Highway Superintendent Gion to the presentation table for a general discussion of Town issues in their areas of expertise.  Fire Chief Kochanowski discussed the Fire Department’s pumper truck test results and the recent snow-mobiling accident.  He praised the Webster Fire Dept’s hovercraft rescue assistance as well as the Charlton Ambulance Squad’s timely response to the snow-mobiling accident.

The Chief reviewed the ice dangers on local ponds and lakes.   He elaborated on how ice appears thick but in reality is a layer of ice built upon a frozen slush which is greatly deceiving to those who may choose to use it’s unsafe surface.   Snow will then accumulate upon the ice making it appear solid when, in reality, it is a cover of unexpected danger.    He stressed strongly that there is absolutely no safe ice in the Dudley area at present.

Highway Superintendent Gion reviewed the 3 recent snowstorms and the fact that one of the Department trucks had been broad-sided by a private passenger vehicle recently.   The truck had been towing a branch chipper that was also knocked over from the impact.   Both vehicles were awaiting insurance appraisals.  Mr. Gion also reviewed ice melt products used by Dudley as opposed to the types used by neighboring towns.   Selectmen then praised the use of text messaging keeping them apprised of events occurring with the Town depts.

The two last items on the Board’s agenda included Administrator Jankowski’s notice to the Board that the Town now had a contract with the Massachusetts Division of Standards for a Sealer of Weights & Measures for the sum of $2,500 vs. the previous private contractor’s sum of $2,850 as well as a unanimous Board approval to reschedule their April 16, 2012 meeting (Patriot’s Day observed) to April 23, 2012.

Board members present for the January 23rd Selectmen’s’ Meeting included Peter Fox, Paul Joseph, and Jonathan Ruda.   Additionally, Peter Jankowski, Town Administrator, and Michelle Jervis, Administrative Secretary, were also present.   Board members not present due to illness were Steven Sullivan and Nancy Runkle.

Dudley BOS reviews sewer plans, awards highway materials contracts, appoint fire station committee

By Janet Stoica

Dudley Board of Selectmen began their first meeting of the new year Monday night by welcoming its newest member, Peter Fox, who was voted in to replace the late Anthony DiDonato in December. Fox stated that “he was looking forward to working hard, honestly, and in the best interests of the citizens of the Town of Dudley.”

First on the agenda was Town Clerk Ora Finn, who submitted an approval list of offices that are up for re-election at the next annual town election scheduled for May 7th. Three-year terms include: Selectman, 2 positions; Town Treasurer; Assessor; Dudley-Charlton Reg’l School Committee; Board of Health; Sewer Commissioner; Water Commissioner; and Library Trustee, 2 positions. Five-year terms open will be for the Housing Authority and Planning Board. The Board voted unanimously to accept the town clerk’s re-election list.

Ms. Finn also stated that the town is in dire need of election workers and she urged citizens to come forward to assist in the next scheduled election to be held on March 6 for the Presidential Primary.

Joseph Zeneski, Oxford Town Manager, and Jennie L. Caissie, Oxford Selectwoman, then presented to the Board the IPG Photonics Corporation Sewer Project Report, which included an aerial mapping of the roadways along which the new sewer lines were to be run through Dudley and on to Webster’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. Mr. Zeneski further described the pumping system to be used for the 10-12,000 gallon daily flow from IPG.

Selectman Paul Joseph expressed the possibility of connecting all other businesses and residences from the Webster-Dudley Girls & Boys Club to the sewer main connection in Webster. Further discussion ensued regarding feasibility of future sewer connections to the new conduits.

Mr. Zeneski said that the shovel-ready grant monies allocated and awarded for the project requires construction to begin this Spring 2012 with a completion date in Fall 2012. Selectman Joseph then spoke about the win/win situation for all three towns with Oxford obtaining the necessary tie-in, infrastructure to Dudley, and increased revenue for Webster.

Following the Oxford presentation, Dan Gion, Highway Superintendent, reviewed the highway material bid awards for asphalt, sand & gravel, and metal structures (manholes, frames, and grates). Selectmen noted that there was a 2-11% price increase on asphalt, sand & gravel, while the metal structure pricing was down substantially due to the price decrease of steel. Mr. Gion recommended that the asphalt bid be awarded to the A.F. Amorello Co. based on cost-effectiveness of town truck material transport. Hylka Construction Co. was recommended for the sand & gravel award, also based on town vehicle mileage transport. Lastly, it was recommended that the metal structure award go to Auburn Winwater Works for their lower cost as well as the fact that their steel was all American-made. Selectmen unanimously approved Mr. Gion’s recommendations.

Fire Chief Dean Kochanowski then updated the Board on the Fire Station Renovation Committee. Five town residents were recommended to serve on the committee: David Karalas, Worcester Fire Dept. captain; Cynthia Iwanski, Southbridge police officer; Nancy Runkle, Dudley town planner and selectwoman; Mike Spahl; and Doug Bushman, Dudley FAA board member. The Board accepted Fire Chief Kochanowski’s recommendations (with Nancy Runkle abstaining).

The Board also accepted and authorized a Letter of Support for the proposed rehabilitation of the Stevens Linen Mill located at 8-10 Mill Street. The Board joined the Dudley Historical Commission in requesting that the current Stevens Mill owners be awarded State Historic Rehab Tax credits to assist in renovations. Information provided by Mike Branniff indicated that the last funding cycle obtained $400,000 in tax credits and the two prior cycles garnered $500,000 on each.

In old business, the board made a motion to consider a possible change to the town by-law for election dates; accepted the policy on court-ordered community service previously discussed; and approved the business development fee moratorium for 2012 on a 4-1 vote with Ms. Runkle opposed.

Additional agenda items included a discussion of dirt-bike and 4-wheel ATV damage to the Dudley landfill area. It was noted that the landfill grass covering is extremely fragile and easily susceptible to vehicle damage as the top of the landfill is a thin layer of grass covering the landfill liner. The grass must be continuously mown to prevent the weight of the grass from damaging the liner. According to Dan Gion, Highway Superintendent, care is also taken to prevent shrubs or trees from developing on the top grass layer as well due to their weight potentially destroying the landfill liner. Dirt bikers and 4-wheelers have been seen riding over and using the landfill cover as a recreational area and have dug up and destroyed many parts of the grass covering. Selectman Joseph requested a notice be placed on the local TV channel indicating that violators would be prosecuted for the destruction of the landfill area and asked Police Chief Wojnar to look into placing security cameras at the site. He also asked Town citizens to report this activity to the police dept.

One of the Board’s last considerations was a request by Police Chief Wojnar to allow an officer to be sent to the police academy in anticipation of Sgt. Daniels’ retirement in August 2012. The Chief was recommending Officer Phil Megas. The Board endorsed the Chief’s request to send an officer to the academy and would vote specifically at their next meeting on the agenda item. Following this activity, Selectmen Ruda and Fox requested explicit breakdowns of individual costs involved in replacing personnel.

The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 23.

Residents may bring their Christmas trees to the

COMPOST FACILITY on 72 Cudworth Road, Webster MA 01570

The Compost Facility will be open Tuesday, January 3, 2012 to Friday, January 6, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 7, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

--Webster Board of Selectmen

Park School option chosen

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

Webster - Indian Ranch owner Christopher Robert and his daughter Suzette Raun came before the Webster Board of Selectmen on Monday to request a permit for an outdoor concert entertainment license. The policy for indoor/outdoor entertainment was changed during a previous Board meeting, making a separate license now a requirement for outdoor entertainment.

The request by Indian Ranch was to hold concerts as well as banquets and weddings. Mrs. Raun explained that outdoor events other than concerts are held on the large pavilion, as there is a smaller number of people at those. The request was to vary the hours of the events. Currently the license allows 6 p.m. to midnight for such events. The new proposal was to end at 11 p.m. “We are just trying to stay within some guidelines and be neighbor friendly with what we are trying to deal with” Raun said.

The entertainment proposal would be Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and holidays 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Concerts would be Friday, Saturday, and holidays until 11 p.m. “We do need two and a half to three hours to run the show from beginning to end. We would try as hard as possible to end it at 10:30, but you never know the circumstances… I was looking at a half an hour buffer, otherwise you would be getting calls at 10:32 saying the concert is still on.” Raun said.

Right now the summer concert schedule runs roughly about sixteen weeks.

Raun further stated that they would prefer daytime concert events but with the industry the way that it is, it would be extremely difficult as it takes most of the day for the artists to set up for an evening event. It was stated that a lot of noise complaints were made towards the campers after the concerts were over. The facility implemented regulations requiring quiet time at 10 p.m. for campers in order to be more neighbor-friendly, yet continue to run their business. Selectmen Deborah Keefe was concerned over the scope of the license stating that potentially the Ranch could have entertainment seven nights a week. The concern is to balance the number of concerts and the times with what residents feel is acceptable.

Mr. Robert stated, “Our challenge, which is very difficult, is dealing with the artists. We would like to have free reign to pick artist A for day B. The challenge is when you call them up and you make them an offer they say ‘I can’t day B, I can do E, D, and C’…It is an enormous, complex job.”

Robert also stated that they were committed to be as neighbor friendly as possible, working on any problems that may be better for the welfare of the residents.

It takes about $40,000 to $60,000 to put a concert on, he said.

Selectman Mark Dowgiewicz stated that he has lived in that cove for twenty years and over the past couple of years, has not heard the music like he used to in the past.

Chairman Walter Dan Ricci suggested a public hearing to see what the people think before the board makes a decision. The Ranch is presently booking shows for the next season. Selectman Keefe brought up the issue of the new bylaw that was sent to the State Attorney General on the sound ordinance that was voted on at the town meeting. “Mr. Robert stated, “If that goes through you are going to close us and everybody else down.”

Mr. Robert further stated that the article was passed when everyone was tired and wanted to go home, having it passed without a lot of review. “We personally think it (the article) is illegal.” Mr. Robert said.

Selectman Donald Bourque stated that each time he has been to an event at Indian Ranch it has been a good experience. “I love the venue. I think it does nothing but justice for Webster. But the truth of the matter is that I think that, and I have to agree with the chairman, that maybe we just do need to hear from the people.”

A public hearing has been scheduled for January 9, 2012.

In other business, Lee Dore from Dore and Whittier Architects put on a presentation for the Park Ave School Feasibility Study. There were several options proposed in reorganizing the school system to meet MSBA standards. The need for a new Park Ave school became the prime issue, as the old one is undersized by 20,000 square feet according to MSBA standards and outdated in regard to heating, plumbing and ventilation. Of the six options proposed, the Building Committee chose Option IV.

The new proposal would replace the school with a larger building, and change the grades from K-5 to K-4. The present building is 85,000 square feet. The new school would be 110,000 square feet at an estimated cost of 40 to 45 million dollars. The middle school would be renovated at a cost of $250,000 to accommodate grades 5-8 and the Bartlett School would remain the same but with grades 9-12, leaving 15% of its present space unoccupied. The proposal will be sent to the MSBA for approval and funding. For more information on the project, go to www.wpsbuildingproject.com

Webster Police Chief Timothy Bent and Emergency Management Chief Chris Jolda met with the board to discuss the state of emergency information for the public. Police Chief Bent stated that the public can register for reverse 911 and text information on upcoming storms by going to the Webster Police Department website or the Webster Sheriff’s Office website.

The issue of shelters was also discussed in regard to usage and cost to operate them. Chief Jolda stated that the shelters were opened in certain locations but no one showed up to use them. The idea of a turnkey shelter was brought up for efficiency and the cost of running them. “When you open a shelter, it is labor intense, it’s expensive…they don’t allow pets in shelters, you need to be able to track people coming in with their medications and so forth…” Mr. Jolda said.

Mr. Jolda also commented that it takes about $8,000 to open a shelter. Emergency Management is trying to get residents to prepare for a two to three day stint should power outages occur. “Shelter is the last resort; it is not a comfortable place to be.” Mr. Jolda said.

Selectman Keefe inquired about a joint coordination between Webster and Dudley on a shared shelter. The problem that arose with that idea was that 88% of Dudley residents were without power and only 19% of Webster residents lost power during the last storm. Webster was restored first. If it had been the other way around, Dudley would not want the expense of running a shelter when there was no one from the town using it.

Selectman Keefe also suggested that the town start a Facebook and Twitter account to help update on storms and available assistance. United Way also has a 211 assistance residents can call and get set up with. This past year, the area was hit with three one- hundred-year major storm events.

Highway Department Superintendent Kenneth Pizzetti also made a point that the town does everything in its power to prepare for a storm from updates to preparation and cleanup. Town Administrator, John McAuliffe suggested that perhaps the town do more to educate the residents on the home front to be prepared within.

The Streetlight Policy was rescinded. The lights will stay on.

St. Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church was granted a one day liquor license for January, 2012.

The board accepted Chairman Ronald Harden’s resignation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.