"We saw the news report that the Fourth of July fireworks celebration was in jeopardy of being cancelled. Like everyone else, we did not want that to happen.

MAFPRE/Commerce Insurance is pleased to sponsor the fireworks this year. Our corporate headquarters in the United States are here in Webster, and almost 2,000 of our employees come to work here every day. MAPFRE and our employees, most of whom live in Webster or the surrounding towns, are committed to giving back to the community. The annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration is a special event and MAPFRE welcomes the opportunity to continue this wonderful tradition."

Jaime Tamayo
President & CEO
MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp.

And so there will be fireworks at Memorial Beach in Webster on July 3rd.

Speaking for the town's selectmen, chairman Don Bourque said, "I'm overwhelmed with the generosity of Commerce Insurance, which is doing this for the local residents. It's an amazing thing when corporate America gives to the community like this...what would we do as a town without someone like Commerce or the Fels family."

The fireworks will be produced by Alonzo Fireworks Display, Inc., of New York, and local pyrotechnic expert Arnie Villatico, who has been the mastermind behind the annual fireworks for the last 15 years, will be participating. Because of new state regulations, fireworks must now be lit electrically, not manually, which will have some imipact on the scope and scale of the event, according to Mr. Villatico, but they are still planning "some special effects and surprises," he said.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

Alcohol and water may not be a good mix according to a few of the Webster Board of Selectmen. The Webster Hydroplane Racing Association appeared before the board one more time with a request for a one-day liquor license to be honored during their 2^nd annual race day at Webster Lake. The association drew up an outline of where the beer would be served and how it would be monitored if approved. Chairman Donald Bourque had concerns over the fact that there is no alcohol allowed at the beach and this approval could open up a “can of worms.”

Vice Chairman Deborah Keefe spoke in regard to the license. “I think the way I’m looking at it is that this is a one-time scenario. Pending any issues, it would never happen in the future.”

The board also requested a contract be presented clarifying that the association is responsible for the liability and safety of all in regard to the one-day license. The motion to approve the license passed by a 3-2 margin, pending the contract.

Another main issue of the June 18 meeting was the North Village Development. Selectman Mark Dowgiewicz added this issue to the agenda. In the past year, the police have answered 455 calls to the North Village totaling 204.84 hours.

Mr. Dowgiewicz was concerned over the problems and safety of the surrounding residents. Selectman Dowgiewicz was informed that there are two areas in the state where they place females in drug rehabilitation and Webster’s North Village is one of them. “So now is this place a rehab facility disguised as low income housing, or is it low income housing? …I really think that a lot of the problems we have in the community is probably generated from this development. And it appears that that people who own this, that live in Boston out of Faneuil Hall really don’t give a rat’s rear end of what happens in this town. All they care about is their money.” Selectman Dowgiewicz stated.

The development is owned by WinnCompanies and houses low-income residents. Ninety-nine of the one hundred thirty-four units are extremely low income and the units are government subsidized.

A suggestion was brought up to meet with the owners and relate the situation face to face. “ Never in my wildest dreams I’d have to think that in the town of Webster there would be areas of town you would not want to walk through. Well, North Village has become that, that area.” Selectman Dowgiewicz said.

Mr. Dowgiewicz suggested the housing authority take over and “clean” the area up.

Vice chair Deborah Keefe also agreed with Mr. Dowgiewicz. “ This is a real sore spot in Webster and the owners of that should change the makeup of the rental property, not the town of Webster. So, I would say yes, we should find out legally what can we do as a town in regard to this and start taking action…”

Selectman Dowgiewicz suggested the board go for a walk through the area after the meeting to see first hand what they are up against before contacting the owners. The board agreed to walk through the area after the meeting.

Town Administrator John McAuliffe gave a positive report on the forward progress of the town. “We look forward to a stable financial climate for fiscal 2013.” Mr. McAuliffe said.

One might notice the maple tree on the Church Street side of the town hall is no longer there. The tree was in danger of falling and had to be removed. The state was going to give the town a Liberty Tree to plant but rescinded the offer because of the Centerl Massachusetts problem with beetles.

The Webster/Dudley Business Alliance will hold its 2^nd Annual Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a Civil War re-enactment group, food and French River Park family fun.

MAPFRE/Commerce Insurance has offered to sponsor the 2012 fireworks celebration to be held on Tuesday, July 3.

The issue of a peddler’s license was also brought forward. The board reviewed several local community licenses and will put together a license based on the best aspects of the licenses. Board secretary Jeffrey Duggan proposed a clause to restrict proximity of a peddler selling wares near a business of the same nature. The issue will be on the agenda for the July 9 meeting at 6:30 p.m.

The pledge of license for Tal’s Place was tabled until the July 9 meeting.

The Senior Center received a one hundred dollar donation for a defribulator. The gift had to be approved by the board. It was unanimously accepted. The board for the soccer fields also accepted an irrigation system.

An anonymous donation of $23,985 was given to the town for a side scan sonar unit to be used by fire and rescue. According to Town Administrator, John McAuliffe, there are only three such units of that caliber in Massachusetts.

The board also signed the bond anticipation notes for the items that were voted on during the town meetings. Those notes included the police and fire stations, town hall heating and cooling system, the new plow truck and DPW truck.

WEBSTER - The town has a received $900,000 grant from the federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program, part of $26.8 million in funding provided for community improvement projects statewide.

The grant will be used for roadway, sidewalk and water improvements to Negus Street as well as a master plan update.

The CDBG program is the Commonwealth's largest available resource for neighborhood revitalization projects and helps meet the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income communities while buildling and reparing infrastructure vital to the health and safefy of all residents. Historically, 40 percent of CDBG funds distributed have been used for these job-creating projects.

In making the announcement, Governor Deval Patrick cited "our Congressional delegation for their continued support of our communities." Senator Richard T. Moore added, "This funding will go a long way to deliver on key initiatives in Webster, and foster yet annother opporutnity to spark much needed economic growth."

(For more on Webster's plans for the grant, see Letter from the Editor, in columns)

stronger academic requirements for Bartlett students

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

After a 15-minute delay due to an executive session, the regular meeting of the Webster School Committee got under way with welcome back statements directed toward former school committee member Tina Gorski-Strong.  Ms. Strong thanked committee members for their comments and expressed her sentiments about being back on the committee and how it was “refreshing to see the great progress the school system has made.”   Ms. Strong replaces Mr. Ted Geotis, who had submitted his resignation.

Ted Avlas of the superintendent’s office stated that “the Webster community had spoken loud and clear” after the previous night’s town meeting, wherein voters unanimously approved the Park Avenue Elementary School building project.”  Nearly $30 million in state funds will now be available for the project.

Dr. Steven Dlott, interim principal of Bartlett Jr/Sr High School submitted his report regarding new grading requirements and expectations for students. Dr. Dlott also spoke highly of and with much praise for the teaching staff.

He reviewed the more rigorous academic requirements expected from Bartlett students as well as the advance preparations for the 2014 New England Association of Secondary Schools’ evaluation.

Colleen Nasis of the school’s Climate Committee reviewed a policy to keep students in the educational process through a review of their attendance and academic improvement rate, with the strongest point being that after six unexcused absences, a full 10-point grade deduction would occur. Parental support is key, she said.

School committee member Shawn Collins requested elaboration of the new grade policy and after receiving further explanation, he praised Dr. Dlott for his efforts and leadership. Tina Gorski-Strong also praised Dr. Dlott for his actions improving upon and offering additional advanced placement courses. Dr. Dlott thanked the School Committee members and expressed his thanks to all school assistants, teachers, and parents.

School Committee Chairman Michael Makara then opened the public hearing on student Internet Safety Policy and Superintendent of Schools Gregory Ciardi gave a PowerPoint presentation on appropriate use of the Internet by children in accordance with Federal guidelines, which included access by minors to inappropriate or harmful matter; safety of minors using email, chat rooms, etc.; unauthorized access or unlawful activities by minors online; and unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal information regarding minors.

The next agenda item included a public hearing on teacher evaluations, including priorities of the new evaluation framework, which included placing students’ learning at the center of objectives; promoting growth and development; recognizing excellence; setting a higher bar for tenure; and shortening timeliness for teacher improvements. Dr. Ciardi’s overview included a direct comparison to those guidelines currently in place within the Webster school system and also stated that “Webster finds itself in much better shape than other school systems as we have already adopted many of the teacher evaluation criteria and this is a credit to the staff and committee.”

Bartlett Jr/Sr High School received authorization to increase the Social Studies staff to eight individuals; approval of job descriptions was granted for an information specialist, a school adjustment counselor, and an alternate program classroom teacher; and acceptance of a $10,000 Janet Malser Grant Award was given for the digital-media lab. Additionally, pending successful contract negotiations, appointment of a Director of Student Support Services was approved as well as authorization to sign the School Project Scope and Budget Agreement. School Committee Chairman Makara was then unanimously approved and appointed to be the signatory for all upcoming Massachusetts School Building agreements.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

Almost 300 residents watched a twenty minute presentation and listened to the proposal and cost to replace the old Park Ave. Elementary School in Webster.

The Special Town Meeting took place Monday, June 11, in the Bartlett High School Auditorium where School Committee Chairman Michael Makara and Superintendent, Gregory Ciardi spoke on the issue.

The old school has been an issue for some time. Space is a problem, the heating and ventilation systems are fifty years old and inefficient, the structure itself is no longer in code with modern regulations. The Massachusetts School Building Authority has already granted the town with a 76.86% reimbursement for the project that will cost about $47, 050,000. After non-reimbursement items and cost to upgrade the middle school, taxpayers will pay about $16,169,263 for the new school. Both Mr. Makara and Mr. Ciardi stated that the MSBA reimbursement was for the present and will go away if not acted on.

If the town were to vote the article down, the old school would need about 19.88 million in repairs and maintenance just to bring it up to code. This would not address the fact that the school is still outdated and would need replacing sooner or later anyway. This is also coupled with the fact that Webster’s schools fall into a grade situation not conducive to proper learning and growth for the children. The present system uses a K-2 elementary school, 3-6 for the middle school and 7-12 high school. The new system would reconfigure grades: PK-4 in new building, 5-8 at current middle school and 9-12 at Bartlett.

The vote for a new school passed unanimously with a large applause from the crowd.

Articles 3 and 4 in regard to zoning were ruled out of order for lack of completion.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

For the sixty-six voters that attended the reconvening of the May 14 Annual Town Meeting it was a bit of a show. Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the last session were on the Warrant. Temporary Moderator Deborah Keefe explained the procedures of the meeting before Town Administrator John McAuliffe read each department's subtotals and final totals. This was done so anyone opposed to that particular total could shout out a “hold” to be reviewed and voted for amendment. During the reading of the budget, the Finance Committee shouted, “hold” eleven times.

Finance Committee member Joseph Beresik took the microphone for the first item to be debated, the Board of Selectmen’s secretary salary being raised from $38,419 to $41,600. Mr. Bereski wanted to amend the salary to $40,340; a 5% increase as opposed to his calculated 8.3% increase.

“Thank you for coming. This is totally disgusting…” Mr. Beresik began.

Moderator Keefe reminded Mr. Bereski that the issue was the selectmen’s budget. Mr. Bereski began to speak to the crowd, thanking those in attendance while criticizing those who did not show, ignoring the moderator’s request. “Mr. Bereski, we are discussing the selectmen’s budget right now.” Moderator. Keefe stated.

Moderator Keefe went on to state, “So I would ask that we discuss the selectmen’s budget.”

Mr. Bereski said, “This is an open meeting…”

The moderator stated that the procedures were thoroughly explained and continued,    “We are here to discuss the selectmen’s budget, not here to criticize the people that took the time out this evening to come to this meeting.”

“I said, thank you for the sixty-six that showed up out of sixteen thousand some-odd people. Shame on those other people. No interest whatsoever.”

A motion was made and seconded to vote on the decrease. Mr. Bereski then approached the microphone once more. The moderator asked if he had anything new to say or was just reiterating his last speech. “I don’t care. Is this a town meeting or what?” Mr. Bereski shouted.

Moderator Keefe then told him, “Mr. Bereski, you are either going to be out of line…”

Mr. Bereski interrupted, “Is this a town meeting or what? That’s why we don’t get more than sixty-six people here.”

Moderator Keefe stated, “Mr. Bereski, I will call you out of order, you will be removed from the meeting, which I have the right to do so if…”

At that point there was a loud applause. The vote was taken and the amendment failed.

In regard to Inspectional Services, Finance Committee Chairman Michael Finamore requested that the Assistant Wiring inspector and the Assistant Plumbing Inspector receive raises in their salaries. This was also voted down. At that point, the Finance Committee withdrew all the other holds.

The budget, $32,983,962 passed. Last year’s budget was $31,624,192.

Sewer and Water Enterprise Funds also passed. For the second year in a row, there are no increases in the sewer and water taxes.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot correspondent.

In a brief meeting on Monday, June 11, the Webster Board of Selectmen granted the transfer of a liquor license for the Cellar Pub.  This transfer is contingent on the building inspector’s approval and, moreover, the Massachusetts ABCC approval of the scope of the license and any amendments needed thereof. Robert M. Zalewski, owner of Snow’s Clam Box in Glocester, Rhode Island, wishes to operate a similar establishment in Webster.

Joseph Laplante, Victor Jankowski and Alfred Beland were appointed as Trustees of Soldiers Monuments. Two of the terms expire in 2014 and the other in 2015.

Town Administrator John McAuliffe reported that the town has been taken off of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and Moody’s Corporation, a worldwide credit rating institution.

In regard to the Special Town Meeting Warrant, articles, three and four were not conclusive enough for vote so were to be declared out of order.

WEBSTER – Voters are asked to attend a Special Town Meeting Monday evening at 7:00 p.m., at the Bartlett High School auditorium to approve the spending of $46 million for a new Park Avenue Elementary School, which will be offset by a $29.4 million grant  from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, leaving the town to raise $16.6 million. 

The expenditure must be approved a second time with a ballot vote, which will he held on Monday, June 25. 

The Friends of the Webster Public Schools have issued a statement in support of the project, as follows:

One Chance at $30 Million

Monday’s long-awaited Special Town Meeting is the first half of a two-part vote to bring a much-needed Elementary School project to Webster.

The project has been planned for years, as our state legislators and school officials worked diligently to get Webster to the front of the line for state funding. Now, it’s time for Webster voters to do their part.

To pass the project, two YES votes are needed:

1. Town Meeting approval, Monday, June 11th: The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Bartlett High School auditorium and the project must pass by a two-thirds majority of YES votes. Town Meeting sets the amount to be borrowed; the warrant article, as legally required by the MSBA, sets forth the full $46 million reduced by the $30 million MSBA grant. Because the MSBA funds its share of the project up front, the town borrows only its $16 million share and pays interest on that amount only. The tax impact to the average homeowner is $183 per year.  Absentee ballots are not available for Town Meeting, but you can vote in the June 25^th ballot vote even if you miss Town Meeting.

2. Ballot approval on Monday, June 25: The ballot, which requires a simple majority of YES votes to pass, allows the town to exempt Proposition 2 ½ to borrow the amount set by Town Meeting on Monday. Polls are open at the Town Hall from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Absentee voting is available for the ballot by going to the Town Hall anytime from now until June 25^th.

The MSBA has approved only this plan for state funding. There are no alternatives. Failure at either Town Meeting or the ballot vote sends Webster to the back of the line for years of waiting.

In the past, when Webster has waited for better opportunities, the price has only risen and the need has only become more urgent. Now is the time to get this project completed. It’s our one chance. Let’s grab it.

-       Friends of Webster Public Schools

The MSBA board approved the schematic designs

BOSTON, MA – State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and Jack McCarthy, MSBA Executive Director, today announced that the MSBA Board voted to approve the schematic design and funding for the new Park Avenue Elementary School in the Town of Webster.  One of the next steps is for the District and the MSBA to enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which will detail the project’s scope and budget and set forth the terms and conditions under which the District will receive its grant from the MSBA. 

The proposed project would replace the 50-year-old Park Avenue School with a new 109,000 square-foot building near the same site. The estimated total budget for the Park Avenue School project is $46,800,000. The estimated MSBA total facilities grant is $29,404,266.

“This project will not only create a top-notch learning facility, but it will also create well-paying, highly skilled jobs, which are vitally important in the current economy,” said Treasurer Grossman.

“This new Park Avenue School will mean a better learning and teaching environment for Webster’s students and teachers,” said Executive Director McCarthy. “It’s another example of the commitment, collaboration, and the partnership between the MSBA and local school districts.”

The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its inception, the Authority has made $8.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects. These timely payments have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.

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Various coves and shoreline areas of Webster Lake (Reference MAP 1) will be chemically treated with USEPA/MA registered aquatic herbicides on Tuesday, June 12th to control nuisance and invasive aquatic vegetation. The entire lake will be closed for swimming and other water contact recreation on the day of treatment (June 12th) only.

In addition, the lake water cannot be used for drinking, irrigation (ie; watering lawns, gardens or plants of any kind) and consumption by livestock (ie ; refers to cattle, horses, etc., - note that pets/wildlife will not be harmed that may ingest the lake water) for a period of five days, commencing on the day of treatment.

Reference Map 1, above

Reference Map 2, below

In those five small areas of the lake (Reference MAP 2) where Sonar (fluridone) herbicide is also being applied, use of the lake water for irrigation is prohibited until August 12th. The Town Boat Ramp will be closed to launching of boats on the day of treatment and the Town Beach will also be closed.

A map of the lake showing the treated/restricted areas will be posted at both the town and state boat launches and it is also available on the Webster Lake Association’s web-site ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Printed signs, warning of these and any other water use restrictions will be posted around the lake shoreline in advance of treatment.

The work is being performed under a License to Apply Chemicals permit issued from MA DEP and an Order of Conditions from the Webster Conservation Commission. Aquatic Control Technology, Inc., of Sutton will be performing this work for the Webster Lake Association.