Townsend public meetings in 2020
50 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Townsend Planning Board held a public hearing on a draft age-restricted housing zoning bylaw, receiving detailed comments from town counsel about legal issues, including potential conflicts with anti-discrimination laws. The board voted to continue the hearing to January 11, 2021, to allow members to revise the draft. The board also approved a renewal of the cell tower special permit at 12 Ball Road.
- Continued age-restricted housing bylaw public hearing to Jan 11, 2021 (unanimous)
- Approved renewal of cell tower special permit at 12 Ball Road (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of Nov 30 and Dec 7, 2020 meetings (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:00 PM (4-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health voted to impose escalating fines on establishments not following COVID-19 regulations, starting with a verbal warning, then a written warning, and fines of $250, $350, and $500 per day of noncompliance. The board also found no violations at 28 Adams Road regarding an outdoor wood boiler complaint, and forwarded a recommendation to appoint Gavin Byars to fill a board vacancy. Minutes from October 2020 and invoices were approved, and the board approved disposal of roadside tires at the Recycling Center.
- Approved COVID-19 enforcement fines: $250, $350, $500 per day of noncompliance (2-0)
- Found no wood boiler violations at 28 Adams Road
- Forwarded recommendation to appoint Gavin Byars to board vacancy (2-0)
- Approved October 2020 minutes as written (2-0)
- Approved invoices as written
- Approved dumping of roadside tires at Recycling Center
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Selectmen accepted a $34,033 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for police body cameras and authorized the Town Administrator to sign the grant contract. The board also appointed Carol Hoffses to the Planning Board until the April 2023 election, and made several other appointments including a Library Tech, an on-call Fire-EMS Captain, and Audit Committee members. All votes were unanimous.
- Accepted $34,033 body camera grant and authorized Town Administrator to sign contract (unanimous)
- Appointed Carol Hoffses to Planning Board until April 2023 election (unanimous)
- Appointed Prima Golda as Library Tech contingent on medical exam and CORI check (unanimous)
- Appointed Brett King as on-call Fire-EMS Captain through June 30, 2021 (unanimous)
- Appointed Lynn Pinkerton and Veronica Kell to Audit Committee (unanimous)
- Appointed Wayne Miller to Capital Planning Committee as Selectmen's representative (unanimous)
- Approved 2020 renewals for liquor, Class I/II/III, Common Victualler, and Entertainment licenses (unanimous)
- Declared surplus equipment for Water Department and Board of Health (unanimous)
Meeting
The Townsend Housing Authority and Affordable Housing Trust Fund voted unanimously to set the Area Median Income (AMI) level for COVID CARES Round 2 rental assistance at 80%, expanding eligibility. They also discussed the status of the 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), noting 10 of 15 rehab projects completed and authorized an investigation into the grant's status. Meeting minutes from prior sessions were approved.
- Set COVID CARES Round 2 AMI level at 80% (unanimous)
- Approved THA minutes for Oct 27 and Sep 17, 2020 (unanimous)
- Approved Trust Fund minutes for Nov 5, 2020 (unanimous)
- Authorized Chair and one other to investigate CDBG grant status (unanimous)
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen held a work session to review the compensation/classification plan and job descriptions prepared by the Collins Institute. The Board had previously accepted the plan and job descriptions, and discussed changes, including some positions moved to different unions and streamlined job titles. The Town Administrator noted the cost to implement would be $67,000 for non-public safety and about $9,000 for public safety. No formal votes were taken; the Board agreed to prioritize avoiding layoffs and funding the plan, and scheduled a future work session to continue the review.
- Accepted job descriptions as submitted by the Collins Institute (previously)
- Agreed to prioritize avoiding layoffs and funding the comp/class plan
- Scheduled an additional work session to continue review of the comp/class plan
- Directed Town Administrator to email old job descriptions to VK and verify website titles
- Adjourned at 5:55 P.M. (unanimous)
Meeting
The Townsend Planning Board met remotely and continued three public hearings: a stormwater management permit for 3 Wheeler Road, a cell tower special permit renewal for 12 Ball Road, and a site plan review for a 12-space rail trail parking lot off Depot Street. The board also discussed draft zoning bylaws for age-restricted housing and scenic roads, and appointed Cynthia Donovan Schuster to the Master Plan Committee. No final decisions were made on the three hearings; all were continued to a later date.
- Approved minutes of 11-16-2020 with corrections (motion by J. Bozicas)
- Accepted waiver of 1'-40' scale on ANR plan for West Meadow Road (motion by C. Sexton-Diranian)
- Continued stormwater permit hearing for 3 Wheeler Road (Ambros Corp.)
- Continued cell tower special permit renewal hearing for 12 Ball Road (SBA Towers V, LLC)
- Continued site plan review for Squannacook Greenways rail trail parking lot
- Appointed Cynthia Donovan Schuster to Master Plan Committee (motion by J. Bozicas)
- Adjourned at 8:23 PM (motion by C. Sexton-Diranian, seconded by L. Shifrin)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health met on November 17, 2020, with all members present. The board approved a septic system upgrade permit for 31 Proctor Road, contingent on the homeowner noting alterations to the risers on the plan. The permit will be signed outside the meeting after those notes are added. The meeting was adjourned shortly after.
- Approved septic permit for 31 Proctor Road, contingent on noting riser alterations on the plan (2-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 3:23pm (2-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Planning Board approved two ANR (Approval Not Required) plans for Warren Road and 198 North End Road, and continued three public hearings to November 30, 2020. The board also recommended Carol Hoffses as a full member, reappointed several Master Plan Committee members, and discussed a draft age-restricted housing bylaw.
- Approved ANR plan for Warren Road (3-0)
- Approved ANR plan for 198 North End Road (3-0)
- Continued stormwater permit hearing for 3 Wheeler Road to Nov 30
- Continued cell tower special permit renewal hearing for 12 Ball Road to Nov 30
- Continued site plan review hearing for 9 Center St to Nov 30
- Recommended Carol Hoffses as full Planning Board member (3-0)
- Reappointed Master Plan Committee members (3-0)
- Approved comment on 50 Highland Street appeal (3-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health voted to increase all recycling center fees by $5.00. The board also approved minutes from several meetings, discussed a COVID-19 update, and continued discussions on a grant opportunity and a property upgrade request.
- Approved $5.00 fee increase for all Recycling Center items (2-0)
- Approved minutes of 8/24, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 (cancelled), and 10/13/2020 (2-0)
- Approved invoices (2-0)
- Continued discussion on LUK, Inc. grant opportunity
- Requested site visit for 31 Proctor Road upgrade on 11/17/2020
- Moved 96 Fitchburg Road manure management update to future agenda
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health voted 2-0 to issue an emergency order under MGL Chapter 111, Section 3, advising residents not to participate in door-to-door trick-or-treating due to COVID-19. The order will be written by the Nashoba Board of Health. The board also discussed a planned Halloween party at Yee's Village, with staff to follow up that it will not be allowed.
- Approved emergency order discouraging door-to-door trick-or-treating (2-0)
- Directed staff to follow up with Yee's Village regarding a planned Halloween party
- Adjourned meeting at 4:26pm (2-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health approved a needle kiosk for sharps, littering sign locations, septic upgrades at 20 Beech Street and 41 Sauna Row Road, and minutes from July and August. They did not support the Walgreens flu clinic proposal and deferred food permit fee changes to July 2021. The board also discussed COVID-19 cases and a manure management plan.
- Approved needle kiosk for sharps, with Carla working with Town Administrator on location (2-0)
- Approved locations for new littering signs (2-0)
- Approved minutes of July 27 and August 10, 2020 (2-0)
- Approved septic upgrade at 20 Beech Street (2-0)
- Approved septic design for six-bedroom home at 41 Sauna Row Road (2-0)
- Approved invoices as submitted
- Walgreens flu clinic proposal not supported by board
- Food permit fee discussion deferred to July 2021
Meeting
The Townsend Housing Authority voted unanimously to forward four volunteer applications for the THA Trust Fund trustee positions to the Board of Selectmen, and to have State Rep. Chaz Sexton-Diranian present the names at the October 6, 2020 Selectmen meeting. The board also discussed the Housing Production Plan, a feasibility study for Dudley Road, and a tenant vacancy. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved forwarding Gary Shepherd, Joe Shank, Mike Virostko, and Joan Savoy as THA Trust Fund trustee nominees (unanimous)
- Approved having Chaz Sexton-Diranian present trustee nominees to Board of Selectmen on Oct 6, 2020 (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes for August 13, 2020 (unanimous)
Meeting
The Townsend Planning Board met virtually on September 28, 2020, but the meeting was disrupted by an outside source and abandoned at 6:43 p.m., about nine minutes after it began. Before the disruption, the board heard a presentation on a Chapter 43D feasibility study and discussed potential priority development sites, but took no votes. The meeting was rescheduled items were deferred to the next meeting.
- Meeting called to order at 6:34 p.m. and roll call taken
- Carol Hoffses appointed to full member status for the meeting
- Reappointment of Master Plan committee delayed to next meeting
- Item 3.8 deferred to next Planning Board meeting
- Chapter 43D feasibility study discussed; Settle shop recommended for removal from list
- Board discussed reducing list of potential development sites to three properties
- Meeting disrupted by outside source and abandoned at 6:43 p.m.
Meeting
The Planning Board appointed Planning Board administrator Elizabeth Faxon as its representative to the Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee. The board discussed several items, including scenic roads regulations, an age-restricted housing bylaw, and Chapter 43D priority development sites, but took no final action on these. The board tabled the reappointment of Master Plan committee members to its next meeting. A payment to the town's peer review engineer, Graves Engineering, was not approved.
- Appointed Elizabeth Faxon to Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee
- Tabled Master Plan committee reappointments to next meeting
- Withheld approval of Graves Engineering peer review payment
- Deleted ANR for Warren Road from agenda
- Deleted ANR for 198 North End Road from agenda
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health approved septic designs for 2A Ponderosa Drive, 6 Balsam Drive, and 54 Barker Hill Road, each by a 2-0 vote. The board also approved a $2,500 contract for Kevin Smith to remove organic matter and compost piles at the Recycling Center. The manure management plan for 96 Fitchburg Road was continued to September 28, 2020, and a citizen letter regarding the Recycling Center was moved to the next meeting on September 21, 2020, for a full quorum.
- Approved septic design for 2A Ponderosa Drive (2-0)
- Approved septic design for 6 Balsam Drive (2-0)
- Approved septic design for 54 Barker Hill Road (2-0)
- Approved $2,500 contract to Kevin Smith for Recycling Center work (2-0)
- Continued 96 Fitchburg Road manure management plan to 9/28/2020
- Moved citizen letter on Recycling Center to 9/21/2020 meeting
- Continued MassToss membership discussion to 9/28/2020
- Continued minutes of July 13, 2020 to 9/21/2020
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the Townsend Community Access and Media (TCAM) operating agreement with changes, including a revised Section 6.10. The board also made several appointments, including to the Town Properties Committee and Conservation Commission, and approved a $29,000 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant. A Section 19 disclosure for the Recreation Director was reviewed but no vote was taken.
- Approved TCAM operating agreement with changes (unanimous)
- Appointed Laura Shifrin to Town Properties Committee (unanimous)
- Appointed Vicki Tidman to Town Properties Committee (unanimous)
- Appointed Marcy Furlong as Administrative Assistant to Police Chief (unanimous)
- Appointed Nikolas Vogel as Recycling Center Attendant (unanimous)
- Appointed Dalton Wagman to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
- Approved credit card policy amendments (unanimous)
- Accepted $29,000 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant (unanimous)
Meeting
The board continued the public hearing for the Seaver Road definitive subdivision and stormwater permit, voting on multiple waiver requests. It approved most waivers, denied the monumentation waiver, and ultimately approved the subdivision and denied the stormwater permit. The board also appointed Laura Shifrin to the Town Properties Committee and voted to recommend accepting a land donation on South Row Road.
- Approved $2,400 application fee in lieu of additional $10,000 consultant fee (5-0)
- Approved waiver to combine plan sheets and omit Landscape Plan (5-0)
- Approved waiver to omit showing trees over 24" diameter on plan (5-0)
- Denied waiver for monumentation at all direction changes (1-4)
- Approved 18-foot roadway width in lieu of 26-foot requirement (4-1)
- Approved subdivision definitive plan (5-0)
- Denied stormwater management permit (5-0)
- Appointed Laura Shifrin to Town Properties Committee (5-0)
Meeting
The Cemetery & Parks board reviewed and signed payables, payroll, and deeds. They discussed a possible sign at Adams Dam, the common sides walk project awaiting state funding, and the ordered replacement truck costing $41,430.72. The superintendent reported the red truck's transmission repair is not worth it, and the recycling center remains under the Board of Health. No formal votes were recorded.
- Approved and signed payables and payroll
- Approved and signed deeds
- Discussed placing a sign at Adams Dam (no decision)
- Discussed common sides walk project, awaiting state funding
- Ordered new truck at cost of $41,430.72
- Decided not to repair red truck transmission, will salvage parts
- Kept recycling center under Board of Health (no change)
Meeting
The Board of Health met on August 10, 2020, and discussed the COVID-19 update, including two new positive cases and school reopening options. They reviewed recycling center updates, including compost pile site work and a citizen letter, and continued these discussions to August 24. The Board approved invoices and minutes for March 23 and June 9, and scheduled an interview for a recycling center attendant position.
- Approved invoices as submitted
- Approved minutes for 3/23 and 6/9 (motion by Johansen, second by Nocella, 2-0)
- Requested signs for 'No Littering Fines $100-$300'
- Scheduled interview for Nikolas Vogal for recycling center attendant on 8/24/2020
- Continued school opening discussion to 8/24/2020
- Continued compost pile and citizen letter discussions to 8/24/2020
- Deleted agenda item 2.2 (septic permits) as none were submitted
Meeting
The Townsend Conservation Commission voted to issue standard Orders of Conditions for a single-family home, driveway, and septic system on Pierce Road, including findings on alternatives analysis for the culvert. The commission also withdrew a Notice of Intent for a project at 299 Townsend Hill Road after the applicant moved the driveway outside jurisdictional areas. Officers were elected and two members were recommended for reappointment.
- Approved standard Orders of Conditions for Pierce Road home (all in favor)
- Withdrew Notice of Intent for 299 Townsend Hill Road (all in favor)
- Approved standard Orders of Conditions for septic system at 507 Main Street (all in favor)
- Elected Karen Hill as Chair, John Hussey as Vice Chair, Anne Le Cuyer as Clerk (all in favor)
- Recommended Karen Hill and Anne Le Cuyer for reappointment to 3-year terms ending June 30, 2023 (all in favor)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for Proctor Road home construction (all in favor)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for septic system installation (all in favor)
- Tabled referral for Campbell Farm Conservation Restriction
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health approved two septic system upgrades requiring Local Upgrade Approvals, and voted to have the Health Administrator draft a letter to the Select Board establishing a single line of communication for Board of Health-related questions. The board also discussed COVID-19 updates, school reopening options, and the Recycling Center attendant position posting. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved septic design at 182 South Row Rd. with LUA for sieve analysis (2-0)
- Approved septic design at 1A Ponderosa Dr. with LUA for 1-inch groundwater reduction (2-0)
- Approved motion to draft letter to Select Board on communication protocol (2-0)
- Approved invoices as submitted
- Adjourned meeting at 6:43pm (2-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Selectmen approved a 1/12 budget for August in the amount of $2,122,321.06, and appointed election workers for the coming year. The board tabled a proposed appointment of a Recycling Attendant after concerns were raised about the hiring process. A three-year contract with Weston & Sampson Engineers for environmental monitoring was also approved.
- Approved $2,122,321.06 1/12 budget for August (unanimous)
- Appointed election workers for terms Aug 15, 2020–Aug 15, 2021 (unanimous)
- Tabled Recycling Attendant appointment pending policy discussion (3 against motion)
- Appointed Jane O’Hara as Registrar for three-year term (unanimous)
- Appointed Carol Hoffses as Associate Member to Planning Board (unanimous)
- Approved three-year contract with Weston & Sampson Engineers (unanimous)
- Approved addendum 3 to McEnroe Consulting contract (unanimous)
- Approved bills payable warrant and signed out of session (unanimous)
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the FY21 budget as written and approved the annual town meeting warrant, including a capital planning article, to be executed out of session. They also voted to transfer $5,000 from MIS expense to legal expenses and to sign the bills payable warrant out of session. The meeting was held virtually due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.
- Approved FY21 budget as written (unanimous)
- Approved annual town meeting warrant with capital planning article (unanimous)
- Approved $5,000 transfer from MIS expense to legal expense (unanimous)
- Approved signing bills payable warrant out of session (unanimous)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health approved the hiring of Paul Walter as a Recycling Center attendant, despite one member's opposition to hiring a family member. The board also approved littering regulations, a landfill engineering contract renewal, and other routine items.
- Appointed Christopher Nocella as Chairman, Linda Johansen as Vice-Chairman, James Le'Cuyer as Clerk (3-0)
- Approved littering regulations with typographical error and name changes (3-0)
- Approved hiring Paul Walter as Recycling Center Attendant pending physical and other requirements (2-1)
- Approved Weston & Sampson Landfill Engineering Contract Renewal to be forwarded to Select Board (3-0)
- Approved minutes of May 20 and May 29 (2-0, with James Le'Cuyer abstaining)
- Approved Recycling Center employee Brian Walter for skid steer training
- Approved Recycling Center attendant taking one day off per week for the summer
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen met in executive session to discuss contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, including the Police Chief and Fire Chief. They directed the Town Administrator to edit the draft police chief contract and run it by counsel, and to convert the fire chief contract into the same format as the police chief boilerplate and run it by counsel. No final contract approvals were made.
- Directed Town Administrator to edit draft police chief contract and run by counsel (2-0)
- Directed Town Administrator to convert fire chief contract to police chief boilerplate format and run by counsel (2-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health met virtually and approved beach and camp permitting, provided COVID-19 safety standards are met, and approved drive-by graduations at Hawthorne Brook and Spaulding Memorial elementary school. The board conditionally approved the proposed addition at 30 Ponderosa Drive, requiring a half bath instead of a full bath. Invoices were approved as submitted, and the board approved a letter of support for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Action Grant proposal. The meeting adjourned at 10:08 a.m.
- Approved beach and camp permitting subject to COVID-19 safety standards
- Approved drive-by graduations at Hawthorne Brook and Spaulding Memorial elementary school
- Approved 30 Ponderosa Drive addition with condition of half bath instead of full bath
- Approved invoices as submitted
- Approved letter of support for Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Action Grant proposal
- Adjourned at 10:08 a.m. (motion by Nocella, second by Genoter, 3-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health held an emergency meeting to approve two alternative graduation plans for North Middlesex Regional High School, allowing the senior class of 2020 to graduate on June 5-6 with rain dates of June 12-13. The motion was approved unanimously (3-0). The meeting was continued to May 22 for further discussion, including a COVID-19 update.
- Approved Option 1 and Option 2 as alternatives for North Middlesex High School graduation on June 5-6, 2020, with rain dates June 12-13 (3-0)
- Adjourned the emergency meeting at 9:38 am (3-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health met virtually to discuss the COVID-19 update, including Phase 1 reopening and guidance for graduations. The board voted to continue the meeting to Wednesday, May 20 at 3 p.m. to further discuss graduation options. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was adjourned after the vote.
- Continued meeting to Wednesday, May 20 at 3 p.m. (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 9:55 a.m. (3-0)
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health met via teleconference and discussed COVID-19 enforcement, including mask orders and coordination with police. They agreed to have the health director and police chief work out enforcement details. The board also discussed recycling center procedures, with a plan to open for brush only on May 16, 2020, pending a vote at the next meeting. No formal votes were taken on these items.
- Approved police and Nashoba (health) collaboration on COVID-19 enforcement
- Agreed to have health director and police chief develop enforcement process
- Discussed recycling center opening for brush only on May 16, 2020, pending vote
- Reviewed Weston & Sampson contract increase from $52,000 to $57,000
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health approved two permit extensions for Lots 1 and 2 at 2.1 West Meadow Road, allowing the new owner, Daisem LLC, additional time on previously approved permits. The board also approved a septic system upgrade at 14 Terrace Way. A motion was passed to draft a non-enforceable advisory recommending mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Approved one-year permit renewal for West Meadow Road Lots 1 and 2 (3-0)
- Authorized Chairman to sign West Meadow Road permits (3-0)
- Approved septic system upgrade at 14 Terrace Way (3-0)
- Approved drafting a mask-wearing advisory, not an order (3-0)
- Approved March invoice from Shaw's for payment (3-0)
- Approved staff entry to building to process invoice and gather documents
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to postpone the annual town election to a date to be determined by the Town Clerk, and to tentatively move the town meeting to June 2, 2020. The Board also unanimously appointed James Sartell as permanent Police Chief upon completion of successful contract negotiations. Several COVID-19 related financial measures were approved, including extending the real estate and personal property tax due date to June 30, 2020, waiving interest on excise taxes, and implementing a spending freeze on non-essential positions and expenses.
- Postponed annual town election to a date to be determined by Town Clerk (unanimous)
- Tentatively moved town meeting date to June 2, 2020 (unanimous)
- Appointed James Sartell as permanent Police Chief upon completion of contract negotiations (unanimous)
- Extended real estate and personal property tax due date to June 30, 2020 and waived interest on excise taxes (unanimous)
- Implemented spending freeze for all non-essential positions and expenses (unanimous)
- Authorized Town Administrator to sign Middlesex Regional SafeKeep Program agreement (unanimous)
- Authorized Town Administrator to sign bylaws for Townsend Community Access and Media, Inc. (unanimous)
- Authorized Town Administrator to sign documents with Chair's approval until further notice (unanimous)
Meeting
The Townsend Planning Board met by conference call and voted to continue two public hearings to April 13, 2020. No substantive decisions were made; both items were procedural continuations.
- Continued 48 Fitchburg Road stormwater permit hearing to April 13, 2020 (4-0)
- Continued Seaver Road subdivision and stormwater permit hearings to April 13, 2020 (4-0)
Meeting
The Board of Health approved a variance for 41 Adams Road, allowing a 33-foot offset from a subsurface drain to a leaching area, contingent on Conservation Commission approval. The hearing was then closed, and the meeting adjourned.
- Approved 33' offset variance for 41 Adams Road (3-0, contingent on Conservation approval)
- Closed hearing for 41 Adams Road (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:08 PM (unanimous)
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen unanimously adopted a community action plan in response to the COVID-19 state of emergency, closing all town buildings to the public (except public safety buildings) through April 6, 2020, and directing boards to postpone or hold meetings remotely. The Board also interviewed Interim Police Chief James Sartell for the permanent Police Chief position, reviewed a regional dispatch study, and made several appointments.
- Adopted COVID-19 community action plan closing town buildings to public until April 6 (unanimous)
- Interviewed James Sartell for Police Chief vacancy; no appointment vote recorded
- Appointed Carol Hoffses as Planning Board Associate Member through June 30, 2020 (unanimous)
- Appointed Thomas Hall as full-time Firefighter/Paramedic contingent on medical exam and CORI check (unanimous)
- Appointed James E. Hamel as Constable for July 1, 2020–June 30, 2023 (unanimous)
- Appointed John King as Animal Inspector for barn book inspections (unanimous)
- Appointed Mary Letourneau as Animal Inspector for quarantines (unanimous)
- Charged chiefs to scope next steps on regional dispatch study (unanimous)
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Judith Poudrier to the Council on Aging for a three-year term (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023). The Board also voted to refer the Section 19 conflict-of-interest disclosure for the Board of Health Administrative Assistant to Town Counsel for review, rather than approving it directly. Liaison assignments were approved, and the Board discussed several items including recycling center operations and TCAM agreements, but took no final action on those.
- Appointed Judith Poudrier to Council on Aging, 3-year term (unanimous)
- Referred Section 19 disclosure for Board of Health Admin Assistant to Town Counsel (passed)
- Approved liaison assignments: VK general government, DK public works, WM public safety (unanimous)
- Agreed to schedule meeting with Water Commissioners for next Board meeting
- Agreed to have Town Administrator work with Town Counsel on hiring policy
- Agreed to schedule meeting with Board of Health to discuss recycling center consolidation
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health approved septic variances for 35 Adams Road and 71-75 Main Street, and approved septic upgrades for 5 Beech Street and 203 Main Street. The public hearings on proposed polystyrene use restrictions and new littering regulations were continued to April 13, 2020, pending legal review. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved septic variance for 35 Adams Road for grey water only, with well use conditional on potability (unanimous)
- Approved septic variances for 71-75 Main Street, with permits withheld until recorded easement plan received (unanimous)
- Approved septic design for 3-bedroom upgrade at 5 Beech Street (unanimous)
- Approved septic design for 3-bedroom upgrade at 203 Main Street (unanimous)
- Continued polystyrene use restriction hearing to 4/13/2020 pending legal review (unanimous)
- Continued littering regulations hearing to 4/13/2020 pending legal review (unanimous)
- Approved two invoices as submitted
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health met on March 2, 2020, and took several administrative actions. They approved posting a COVID-19 informational letter on the town website, decided not to apply for the Education and Enforcement Coordinator grant, and scheduled a recycling center fee schedule update for March 23, 2020. They also approved $1,000 for Earth Day promotions and authorized joining Simple Recycling's textile curbside program. The March 9 meeting agenda was listed but no decisions from that meeting are recorded in these minutes.
- Approved posting COVID-19 informational letter on town website (unanimous)
- Approved motion for Town Administrator to respond on overflow bag revenue question (unanimous)
- Scheduled Recycling Center fee schedule update for 3/23/2020 (unanimous)
- Approved not applying for EEC grant (unanimous)
- Approved invoices as submitted
- Approved 1/13/2020 minutes as written (unanimous)
- Approved 2/10/2020 minutes with minor edit (unanimous)
- Approved $1,000 for Earth Day promotions and town-wide cleanup (unanimous)
Meeting
The Capital Planning Committee approved several capital items, including leasing a new ambulance, purchasing ambulance gear, continuing police vehicle leases, and funding a fire/police radio tower project. They also approved water department projects and deferred some highway requests. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved leasing ambulance #2 for 3 years, $103K from Ambulance Reserve Receipt Account (all in favor)
- Approved buying gear to rig ambulance #2, $63,450 from Ambulance Reserve Receipt Account (all in favor)
- Approved continuing police vehicle leases, $59,655 from Police general budget (all in favor)
- Approved informing Fire Chief that Forestry #1 should go on Debt Exclusion; Engine #2 deferred to next year (all in favor)
- Approved refitting the Squad, $5K from Capital Stabilization Fund (all in favor)
- Approved extending Fire/Police joint lease for Tower/Radio Upgrade, $170K from Capital Stabilization Fund (all in favor)
- Approved leasing a new Cat 930M loader for 5 years for Highway Department, $39,400 from Capital Stabilization Fund (all in favor)
- Approved water main replacement from Main Street well to West Elm Street, $1.2M from Water Department Retained Earnings (all in favor)
Meeting
The Townsend Conservation Commission continued two Notice of Intent hearings to February 26, 2020: one for a single-family dwelling on Pierce Road (DEP# 308-674) and one for wetland restoration at 59 West Meadow Road (DEP# 308-665). The commission also approved and signed Certificates of Compliance for 178 and 180 Fitchburg Road. Minutes from January 8 and January 22, 2020 were tabled for the next meeting.
- Continued Pierce Road hearing to 2/26/20 (unanimous)
- Continued 59 West Meadow Road hearing to 2/26/20 (unanimous)
- Approved and signed Certificate of Compliance for 178 Fitchburg Road (unanimous)
- Approved and signed Certificate of Compliance for 180 Fitchburg Road (unanimous)
- Tabled approval of 1/8/2020 and 1/22/2020 minutes
Meeting
The Planning Board continued the public hearing for the Seaver Road definitive subdivision and Stormwater permit to March 23, 2020, after extensive discussion of requested waivers and technical peer review findings. The applicant agreed to a written extension of the statutory timeline to May 31, 2020. The Board also approved a fence relocation for the Locke Brooke solar array project, subject to consultation with the Conservation Commission, and recommended Carol Hoffses for appointment as an associate member.
- Continued Seaver Road subdivision and Stormwater permit hearing to March 23, 2020 (unanimous)
- Approved fence relocation for Locke Brooke solar array project, subject to Conservation Commission consultation
- Recommended Carol Hoffses for Planning Board associate member position (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of January 27, 2020 (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 9:45 P.M. (unanimous)
Meeting
The Capital Planning Committee met and reached agreement in principle on which capital projects to support, but did not make any final funding decisions. The committee will clarify available funds with the town accountant and plans to meet again on 2/12/2020.
- Approved meeting minutes from 1/29/2020 (all in favor)
- Reached agreement in principle on which capital projects to support
- Scheduled next meeting for 2/12/2020
- Adjourned meeting at 7pm (all in favor)
Meeting
The Capital Planning Committee declared a member's seat vacant per policy and discussed capital planning procedures with the Town Administrator, including tweaking the committee's spending cap and using the town accountant to identify leftover funds. No votes were taken on capital requests; discussion will continue at the next meeting.
- Declared Lynn Garafola's committee seat vacant per policy
- Approved minutes of Jan 22, 2020
- Adjourned meeting at 7:44pm
Meeting
The Townsend Board of Health approved a septic system upgrade with variances for 42 New Fitchburg Rd, including a pumped Presby system and reduced pervious material offset. The Board also voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on a proposed Styrofoam regulation, and discussed a potential grant for an Education and Enforcement Coordinator. Several agenda items were continued or deleted, including septic permits and invoices.
- Approved septic upgrade with variances for 42 New Fitchburg Rd (unanimous)
- Approved scheduling public hearing on Styrofoam regulation (unanimous)
- Continued discussion on General Revolving Fund bylaw
- Continued recycling of Highway Department material to future agenda
- Deleted septic permits for approval from agenda
- Continued invoices for approval
- Continued minutes from 1/13/2020
- Deleted Accessory Apartment discussion with Bill Cadogan
Meeting
The Townsend Housing Authority (THA) met on January 23, 2020, and approved its annual report with minor adjustments. The board also discussed several ongoing items, including the Dudley Road project (tabled pending State Representative Sheila Harrington's arrival), a feasibility study solicitation, and a joint meeting with the Planning Board. No major decisions were made beyond the annual report approval and meeting minutes approval.
- Approved THA Annual Report with minor adjustments (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes from December 12, 2019 (unanimous)
- Tabled discussion of Dudley Road Project pending State Representative Sheila Harrington's arrival
- Discussed FY21 THA Budget (previously approved at last meeting)
- Discussed Accessory Apartments and Title 5 regulations
- Discussed joint meeting with Planning Board and MRPC
- Discussed advertising for outstanding Tenant Position
- Discussed Metrobridge samples and request reports
Meeting
The Capital Planning Committee met on January 22, 2020, and heard from Water Commissioner Mike Maceachern about upcoming water projects totaling $15.7 million, including well replacements, main replacements, and a pump station upgrade. The committee discussed adding $200,000 from town meeting to the Capital Planning Account, which currently holds $59,163.28. No formal votes were taken on these projects; the committee planned to review department requests and prepare questions for ranking in a final report at the next meeting.
- Approved minutes of Jan 15, 2020 meeting
- Discussed water department projects totaling $15.7M (no vote)
- Noted $200,000 from town meeting to be added to Capital Planning Account
- Scheduled next meeting for Jan 29, 2020
Meeting
The Townsend Conservation Commission approved a Notice of Intent for a fire hydrant installation at 6 Ball Road, adjacent to a vegetated wetland and within the ACEC. The commission continued two other hearings: one for wetland restoration at 59 West Meadow Road and another for a single-family dwelling at Pierce Road, both to be discussed at the next meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included discussions on funds, Earth Day, and correspondence.
- Approved Notice of Intent DEP#308-673 for fire hydrant at 6 Ball Road (unanimous)
- Continued Notice of Intent DEP#308-665 for wetland restoration at 59 West Meadow Road to next meeting
- Continued Notice of Intent for single-family dwelling at Pierce Road to next meeting
Meeting
The Capital Planning Committee met with the Police and Fire Departments to review their capital improvement requests. The committee discussed a joint radio tower project, police vehicle leases, and fire equipment replacements. No formal votes were taken; the committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting and discussed future agenda items.
- Approved minutes of Jan 8, 2020 meeting (amended)
- Discussed joint Fire/Police radio tower project (est. $65,000)
- Discussed police vehicle lease increase from $59,655 to $65,000 for FY22
- Discussed fire department equipment leases and replacements
- Discussed adding $200,000 to capital funds (DK proposal)
- Discussed filling vacant committee seat to reach 7 members
Meeting
The Cemetery & Parks Commission approved the FY2021 budget with a 2% salary increase and a communication line increase, to be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen. They also approved submitting a $24,700 sidewalk design quote from Goldsmith, Prest and Ringman to the Board of Selectmen if no other quote is received by January 21, 2020. The commission approved an article for a columbarium at Hillside Cemetery, funded from the Sale of Lots account, for the town meeting warrant. Bills and December minutes were approved, and the Congdon deed was tabled pending square footage correction.
- Approved FY2021 budget with 2% salary increase and communication line increase
- Approved submitting Goldsmith, Prest and Ringman sidewalk quote ($24,700) to BOS if no other quote by Jan 21 (unanimous)
- Approved columbarium article for Hillside Cemetery, funded from Sale of Lots account
- Approved bills and December minutes with changes
- Tabled Congdon deed pending square footage correction
Meeting
The Townsend Conservation Commission approved a Negative 3 Determination for a garage construction at 4 Old City Road, allowing the project to proceed with conditions. The commission also continued hearings on two Notices of Intent, approved a certificate of compliance, and ratified an emergency certificate for Unitil gas leak work.
- Approved Negative 3 Determination for garage at 4 Old City Road with as-built condition (unanimous)
- Continued Notice of Intent for fire hydrant at 6 Ball Road to next meeting (unanimous)
- Continued Notice of Intent for wetland restoration at 59 West Meadow Road to next meeting (unanimous)
- Approved and signed Certificate of Compliance for DEP #308-670 (unanimous)
- Approved $28.99 voucher to Amazon for date stamp (unanimous)
- Approved $228.31 voucher to Lowell Publishing for legal notice fee (unanimous)
- Ratified and signed emergency certificate for Unitil gas leak work (unanimous)
Meeting
The Capital Planning Committee met on January 8, 2020, and approved the minutes from the December 11, 2019 meeting. They postponed discussions with the Town Administrator about funding and the committee's role to January 15, and a meeting with the Water Department to January 22. Instead, they met with Cemetery and Parks Superintendent Roger Rapoza and Highway Superintendent Jim Smith, who discussed replacing aging equipment, including a dump truck and a 32-year-old loader, with possible lease-to-own options. No formal decisions were made on these equipment requests.
- Approved meeting minutes from 12/11/19 (all in favor)
- Postponed Town Administrator funding discussion to 1/15/2020
- Postponed Water Department meeting to 1/22/2020
- Assigned clerk position to new member Stephen Spofford
- Scheduled next meetings: 1/15 (Police and Fire), 1/22 (Water Department), 1/29 (finalize report)