Meetings 3/31/14 – 4/5/14

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Meetings 3/31/14 – 4/5/14

Monday 3/31/14

BOS                            690 Patriots Rd                     6:30 pm

Wednesday 4/2/14

Assessors                  2 School St                               2:00 pm

Adv. Board              690 Patriots Rd                       6:30 pm

Thursday 4/3/14

COA                            690 Patriots Rd                     1:30 pm

Town Admin              690 Patriots Rd                      4:00 pm

CPC                            690 Patriots Rd                      6:00 pm

BOH                           2 School St.                            7:00 pm

Friday 4/4/14

Sewer Commission       Reservoir St                     9:00 am

Saturday 4/5/14

Senior Center                     Bridge St.                   12:30 pm

Financial Update Town of Templeton

Financial Update from STM

Templeton stm financial update from jfarrell59

Templeton selects new VSO

Templeton selects new VSO

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON —When he first came before the Board of Selectmen on March 3, John Caplis was a man on a mission. A retired Army Sergeant 1st Class and combat veteran, Mr. Caplis is no stranger to adversity. But when he appeared in front of the board that day, it was not on behalf of the U.S. or their interests — but on behalf of his fellow veterans who he believed were being underserved.

In the state of Massachusetts, each city, town, or region has a Veterans Service Officer, or VSO, who works with veterans within their community, educating and signing them up for the resources and assistance programs they are eligible for. The position also conducts outreach and community development projects. Presently, Templeton and four other towns are grouped into the Northeast Quabbin District for services, with a shared VSO based out of Athol.

According to Mr. Caplis, there are over 500 veterans in Templeton alone — more than any of the other Quabbin communities — and yet, due to the regionalized arraingement, they only received about five hours a week from their assigned VSO to the tune of about $37,000 per year of taxpayers’ money. The town stands to find a considerable savings in hiring their own in-town VSO Mr. Caplis explained.

Capital planning committee reveals new master plan

Capital planning committee reveals new master plan

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Capital Planning Committee Chairman Doug Morrison recently revealed to the Board of Selectmen the committee’s Master Capital Plan — a collection of the town’s capital assets and a replacement schedule designed to help manage costs and streamline the repair process.

“The advantage to having this Master Capital Plan as we saw it, is it allows us to project out what our costs are going to be over the course of time,” Mr. Morrison explained. “In average, it looks like we need to be investing about $400,000 a year in capital to sustain the capital requirements of the town.”

The committee began meeting with department heads in December, collecting inventories of their capital assets as well as what needs to be replaced and the cost. A ‘capital asset’ was defined as any item used in town operations with a lifespan of over two years and worth more than $5,000.

Greater Gardner Community bids farewell to Sen. Brewer

Greater Gardner Community bids farewell to Sen. Brewer

Retirement announcement made after four decades of service
Kimberly Petalas
News Staff Writer

News staff photo by ERYN DION

Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jim Bellina presented Sen. Steven Brewer with a Gardner-made chair as a gift for his retirement

GARDNER — “It’s way too early for my wake,” joked Sen. Steven Brewer, D-Barre, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. 

Dozens of city and town officials, business owners and community members gathered at Mount Wachusett Community College on Friday to honor and say goodbye to Sen. Brewer, who has announced he will be retiring after 40 years of political service.

As part of his retirement, Sen. Brewer said he would like to spend time learning to play the ukulele, to which President Asquino presented him with an instrument and plugged a class offered at the Gardner campus.

“For nearly forty years, four decades, if you count his service as selectmen, chair of the board of selectmen, aide to (former) Sen. Bob Wetmore, state representative, state senator, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, he has been making sweet music for the residents and citizens of not only North Central Massachusetts, but the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said MWCC President Daniel Asquino. “He’s just a model, fine human being.”

Please attend the

 Special Town Meeting

March 29, 2014 @ 10:00 am

Clearing up misconceptions in Templeton

Clearing up misconceptions in Templeton

To The Editor: 3/28/2014
Robert C Mitchell
Templeton

To The Editor:

I would appreciate a minute of your reader’s time to clear up some misconceptions and misinformation in your March 14 article,  “Crowded race forms in Templeton.” 

First, your readers should know I was not a selectman for several years and don’t believe I was selectman for even a couple of years, thanks to the recall folks.

Also, a little background information on the recall would have been beneficial for readers. A good question to pose to the community would be ... how many of the recall folks still think it was a good idea? It seems when folks found out it wasn’t about letting the people speak at all, but a very costly attempt to reinstate cronyism and overpriced legal advice their support disappeared.

It seems to me we now have very good legal advice at a reasonable cost, a Board of Selectmen where an FOIA request isn’t a requirement for information, and are working towards a town administrator position. All things I supported before the very costly recall.

WARRANT ARTICLE SYNOPSES

TOWN OF TEMPLETON 

WARRANT ARTICLE SYNOPSES 

MARCH 29, 2014

ARTICLE 1 Due to a lack of accurate data during the budget process, the budget for Fiscal 2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014), adopted at the May 14, 2013 Annual Town Meeting, is short by $505,000. This article would appropriate $505,000 in additional property taxes to fund the budget shortfall. The additional taxes would be raised through a General Override of M.G.L, Ch. 59 § 21C, known as Proposition 2 1⁄2. A positive vote at the Town Meeting to override the tax cap must be confirmed by the voters of the Town in an election. 

Massachusetts law requires every city and town to have a balanced budget. A balanced budget must be certified by the Commonwealth Department of Revenue before tax bills can be sent out. If the budget gap in the current year cannot be closed and a balanced budget certified by the DOR, the Town will be unable to collect taxes and will continue to provide municipal services using borrowed money. 

If the Town does not approve a General Override to cover the budget deficit, Articles 2, 3 and 4 on this Warrant must be utilized to fill the gap with one-time revenues such as Free Cash and the StabilizationFund. One time revenues will be supplemented with severe reductions in departmental budgets and major cuts in services to the residents. 

The Town has a “structural” or permanent deficit. The amount of recurring revenue from property taxes, fees and state aid is consistently less than the amount required to support the operating budget. The Town has used non-recurring or one time revenues, mainly Free Cash, to cover the gap for nearly 10 years. This is considered an unsound fiscal practice and is often associated with financial crisis. It worked in fiscal years 2007-10 when free cash averaged nearly $700,000 per year. Last year, however, Free Cash was certified at only $100,000, and it is in short supply in the current year. 

If required to balance the FY’14 budget with one time revenues, the Town’s structural deficit will persist, and there will be another budget shortfall in FY’15. The real solution to the budget crisis is for the Town to approve additional revenues.

 

Information for March 29, 2014 STM

Information for

March 29, 2014 STM

Warrant Articles for STM

Impact Statements on Budget Cuts by Department

Historical Use of Free Cash

Town Hall Meeting Recordings

Primer on Municipal Debt Adjustment

Elementary School Debt Exclusion

Biomass Boiler..the movie

Biomass Feasibility Report

Please attend the

 Special Town Meeting

March 29, 2014 @ 10:00 am

March 24, 2014 BOS Meeting ...the movie

March 24, 2014 BOS Meeting ...the movie

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Part 1 of the March 24, 2014 BOS Meeting

Part 2 of the March 24, 2014 BOS Meeting

Part 3 of the March 24, 2014 BOS Meeting

Disclaimer –

It is not possible for anyone to know what you don’t know.

The meeting began well. Minutes from 1/27/14, 3/10/14 and 3/12/14 were approved.

Department heads build their case against budget cuts

Department heads build their case against budget cuts

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON— Department heads went before the Board of Selectmen and Templeton residents during Thursday evening’s Town Hall forum to present their case concerning proposed budget cuts ahead of the special town meeting.

Across the board, the general consensus from both the selectmen and department heads was that a slash to already suffering budgets would result in a severe reduction in services and affect the ability of most departments and offices to complete their required work.

“Any additional cuts we might have to make will be devastating,” commented member Doug Morrison.

On January 27, the Board of Selectmen asked department heads to make a five percent cut to their remaining budget and present the results to the board. The Town Hall forum was held to allow department heads a chance to explain exactly how much money would be cut from their budgets, where that money would come from, and answer questions from the public.

First Doctor Visit in Five Years: Why Repubs Want Us Broke or Dead

First Doctor Visit in Five Years: Why Repubs Want Us Broke or Dead

byUntyingTheNot

I went to the doctor for the first time in five years today. Although I'm young, I had neglected a couple of health issues for at least a year. I couldn't afford care and was left hoping none of them developed into anything more serious. As a small business owner who narrowly missed the threshold for buying on the exchanges, I'm enrolled in Medicaid for this year until I can bump my income up a bit. The day my confirmation of benefits and card came was among the best of my life. I nearly broke down in tears.

But that isn't what this diary is about. Today, I went to the doctor for the first time in five years and saw first hand why Republicans have fought tooth and nail for a system that was so broken for every single stakeholder - except the insurers and the politicians who enable them.

$500,000 Elementary School Debt Exclusion and $3.5 million Biomass Burner

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Elementary School Debt Exclusion

Biomass Burner

Informational presentations for TESB Feasibility Study and Biomass Boiler System for NRSD High school Middle school

Still undecided how to vote on Article 5 - Wood Chip fired boiler replacement and Article 6 - $500,000 debt exclusion for the Templeton Elementary School Building Project ? Please watch the video presentations above and:

Please attend the

 Special Town Meeting

March 29, 2014 @ 10:00 am

Town Hall Meeting…the movie

Town Hall Meeting…the movie

This informational meeting was recorded in the KIVA on March 20, 2014. The meeting details the ramifications and consequences of the $505,000 budget shortfall for the Town of Templeton.

Part 1 of the Town Hall Meeting

Part 2 of the Town Hall Meeting

Part 3 of the Town Hall Meeting

Please attend the

 Special Town Meeting

March 29, 2014 @ 10:00 am

Spring Show: Art lovers abound

Spring Show: Art lovers abound

Annual event highlights area artists, draws crowd of hundreds
Doneen Durling
News Staff Writer

News  photo by LARTICE COOPER
Scores of local art enthusiasts came out to support GALA during a three-day show held at the Gardner PACC.

Martha Webster local artist and GALA volunteer won an award for her acrylic painting At the Edge of Town.
GARDNER — The Gardner Area League of Artists held their annual GALA Spring 2014 Art Show and Auction over the weekend as a seasonal celebration of art in the local community. More than 140 artists participated in the event, showing and raffling off their work.

Throughout the three-day event, visitors were able to come and view displays while listening to local musicians who provided sounds of Folk, Celtic, Jazz, Blues, and Rock; adding a creative energy and audio depth to the visual experience.

Meetings 3/24/14 – 3/29/14

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Meetings  3/24/14 – 3/29/14

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Monday 3/24/14

BOS                            690 Patriots Rd                     6:30 pm

Tuesday 3/25/14

MART                          Fitchburg                           10:30 am

Planning                       690 Patriots Rd                     6:30 pm

Senior Center               Scout Hall                            6:30 pm

MRPC                          Fitchburg                            7:00 pm

Wednesday 3/26/14

NRSD Budget                 KIVA                                   5:00 pm

Thursday 3/27/14

Adv Board                    690 Patriots Rd                     6:30 pm

Saturday 3/29/14

Special Town Meeting       MS Auditorium       10:00 am

Light Department donates clothes to students in need

Light Department donates clothes to students in need

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

News  photo by STEVE NYBERG

Members of the Templeton Municipal Light & Water Department recently collected donated coats to the Narragansett Regional School District at their location on Bridge Street. From left to right, Safety Coordinator Ray Gouley, Light & Water manager John Driscoll, Narragansett Guidance Councilor Kris Ann Stancombe, Chelsea Martin, Superintendent Ruth Miller and Baldwinville Elementary Principal John Graziano.

TEMPLETON — Templeton’s Municipal Light and Water Department as well as Safety Coordinator Ray Gouley donated clothing and winter jackets Thursday morning to aid needy families and students of Narragansett Regional District schools.

“A lot of people think about (donating) around the holidays,” said Chelsea Martin, Narragansett’s homeless representative. “But it’s a year-round thing.”

According to Ms. Martin, 40 percent of Narragansett students receive free or reduced meals. She said the schools need donations throughout the year to help those in need as much as possible.

A different cost analysis on woodchip burning

Science: Reasons for not installing a woodchip boiler

Reasons for not installing a woodchip boiler(it's a little technical) 

Thank you Mr. Mitchell for this information

Sustainability Coordinator

Office of the Provost
63 South Main, Room 316
HB 6011
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH 03755-3529
Dartmouth College

1. Greater CO2/BTU

Wood chips                 221.943 pounds of CO2 per Million BTU

#6 oil                           173.906

#2 oil                           161.386

Solar Thermal              0

2. Accelerates greenhouse gas emissions -- Instantaneous release of carbon through burning which would take decades to release through decay

3. Dangerous trend for New England Forests -- Trades negative impacts, without clear ecological benefit.

Benefits: releases carbon on earth's surface, local fuel source, reduce dependence on foreign oil

Costs: Consumes large amounts of bioproductivity at a time in history when extinction rates are 100 to 1000 times faster than historic levels (due to habitat loss and human encroachment), the planets forests cannot sequester the carbon currently released and we have better alternatives.

4. The alternatives to a woodchip boiler could be further explored.  Quantum efficiency and conservation programs would also reduce expenses, but also be a clear environmental solution reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts.

Templeton's fiscal future still unclear

Templeton's fiscal future still unclear

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — At Thursday’s Town Hall forum hosted by the Board of Selectmen, Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel delivered an update on the town’s financial situation — offering residents a mixed view of Templeton’s future.

Mr. Markel explained that the town’s financial future was still uncertain and the threat of state intervention was still very real.

According to Mr. Markel, the state Department of Revenue informed local officials that if the budget was not balanced and the gap not closed by the end of the month, they would file special legislation allowing the town to illegally run in a deficit.

“What could — and probably will — result from that, is some sort of controls will be implemented by the state,” Mr. Markel explained. “That could very well mean a control board.”

While residents have expressed that having a control board in power might provide better leadership, Mr. Markel insisted that it would be a “very bad thing” — giving the town notoriety across the state which could jeopardize their ability to draw in new employees.

Solution to the Economic Crisis? North Dakota’s Economic “Miracle”—It’s Not Oil

Solution to the Economic Crisis? North Dakota’s Economic “Miracle”—It’s Not Oil

By Ellen Brown
Global Research, September 02, 2011
Yes Magazine 2 September 2011

North Dakota has had the nation’s lowest unemployment ever since the economy tanked. What’s its secret?

In an article in The New York Times on August 19th titled “The North Dakota Miracle,” Catherine Rampell writes:

Forget the Texas Miracle. Let’s instead take a look at North Dakota, which has the lowest unemployment rate and the fastest job growth rate in the country.

According to new data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics today, North Dakota had an unemployment rate of just 3.3 percent in July—that’s just over a third of the national rate (9.1 percent), and about a quarter of the rate of the state with the highest joblessness (Nevada, at 12.9 percent).

North Dakota has had the lowest unemployment in the country (or was tied for the lowest unemployment rate in the country) every single month since July 2008.

Its healthy job market is also reflected in its payroll growth numbers. . . . [Y]ear over year, its payrolls grew by 5.2 percent. Texas came in second, with an increase of 2.6 percent.

Why is North Dakota doing so well? For one of the same reasons that Texas has been doing well: oil.

Oil is certainly a factor, but it is not what has put North Dakota over the top. Alaska has roughly the same population as North Dakota and produces nearly twice as much oil, yet unemployment in Alaska is running at 7.7 percent. Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming have all benefited from a boom in energy prices, with Montana and Wyoming extracting much more gas than North Dakota has. The Bakken oil field stretches across Montana as well as North Dakota, with the greatest Bakken oil production coming from Elm Coulee Oil Field in Montana. Yet Montana’s unemployment rate, like Alaska’s, is 7.7% percent.

A number of other mineral-rich states were initially not affected by the economic downturn, but they lost revenues with the later decline in oil prices. North Dakota is the only state to be in continuous budget surplus since the banking crisis of 2008. Its balance sheet is so strong that it recently reduced individual income taxes and property taxes by a combined $400 million, and is debating further cuts. It also has the lowest foreclosure rate and lowest credit card default rate in the country, and it has had NO bank failures in at least the last decade.

If its secret isn’t oil, what is so unique about the state? North Dakota has one thing that no other state has: its own state-owned bank.

Templeton's use of free cash

Templeton's use of free cash

The screenshot below gives an historical perspective on the use of Free Cash ( neither free nor cash) through the years:

 

It would appear that in 2005, Free Cash was not certified by the DOR.

Could proposed cuts affect public safety?

Could proposed cuts affect public safety?

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — With the town’s looming financial crisis, budget cuts could leave Templeton’s Police Department understaffed and undertrained.

The Board of Selectmen previously requested that all department heads submit detailed explanations on how a proposed five percent reduction in remaining budgets would affect their offices.

Police Chief David Whitaker wrote in his impact statement that a five percent cut in the department’s budget would come from not filling an open patrol position – a move that would leave only one officer on duty for the weekend day and early morning shifts. Chief Whitaker stated that the police union consented to the schedule change, however there were still morale and safety concerns.

“No one wants to work by themselves,” the Chief said. “It’s an officer safety issue.”

Police officers, especially patrolmen, rely heavily on communication and teamwork. While Templeton is a relatively quiet town with few arrests, should a major incident occur during one of those shifts the officer would be alone until mutual aid from a surrounding town arrives on scene.

“Working alone is just not safe,” Chief Whitaker reiterated.

Space, technology issues plague Templeton elementary schools

Space, technology issues plague Templeton elementary schools

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — The town’s elementary schools have been described by some as being in a dire state, with the condition of the buildings and services available taking their toll on the students’ learning environment.

Kristine Boudreau, a fourth grade teacher at Baldwinville Elementary School, detailed pressing issues she and other staff members face every day and how they have adapted.

“We work around it,” she said. “You always have to have another plan.”

Two of the more disruptive problems teachers deal with daily, in Baldwinville, are cramped quarters and unreliable technology. Ms. Boudreau explained that classes hold several reading, writing, and math workshops that are supposed to take place in an area separate from the student’s
desks – something not possible in an already overcrowded building.

Town Hall Meeting Tonight

Town Hall Meeting 

Tonight 

in the KIVA

5:00 PM

Fluorides Under Fire:

Fluorides Under Fire:

Legal Community Awakens as Federal Fluoride Harm Case Proceeds to Oral Arguments and Fluoride Harm Newspaper Advertising Appears

Legal community interest in the long-smoldering controversy over use of fluorides is growing as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has agreed to hear oral arguments in the fluoride harm case of Nemphos versus Nestle Waters North America, Inc., et al.
The case centers around “dental fluorosis” disfigurement of teeth caused by childhood ingestion of fluorides in water and other products.

The Washington D.C.-based law firm Public Justice has joined other plaintiff firms to help argue the case. Public Justice has more than 3,000 affiliated attorneys.

In another development, advertisements seeking students with dental fluorosis are beginning to appear in newspapers at universities, such as The Hoya newspaper at Georgetown University.

The advertisements show photos of dental fluorosis teeth staining and inform students that those with fluoride teeth harm may be entitled to monetary damages.

“There are a lot of harmed people out there that were not told the facts about fluorides, nor have they seen documentation of what dental leaders knew and admitted amongst themselves about fluorosis,” says attorney Chris Nidel.

Templeton meets deadline

Templeton meets deadline

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — Residents in Templeton can breathe a sigh of relief, as the town will continue to receive state aid payments for the rest of the year.

Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel stated that the town’s Schedule A form was submitted to the state’s Division of Local Services last week, just in time to receive their March payment.

The state division previously sent several letters to local officials to give them a March 14 deadline to submit the long tardy form, which was due Nov. 30, 2013. Should that deadline pass, the state would withhold the town’s March payment. All payments would be suspended if the form was still not submitted by March 31.

According to state division’s Cherry Sheets, Templeton is slated to receive $1.441 million in state aid for Fiscal Year 2014.

The Schedule A form is a 17-page document containing information about the town’s revenues, expenditures and balance sheets. The state division and other government agencies use the data to formulate local aid distributions and grants.

The delay was attributed to the ongoing struggle to close the books for Fiscal Year 2013 — a process that was also completed late last week. Mr. Markel said the books will be sent to the state Department of Revenue on Monday.

“The next step is to encourage the (revenue department) to certify free cash from FY13 so that it will be available for use at the Special Town Meeting on March 29,” he explained.

Mr. Markel said the revenue department warned the town’s financial team that any “junk numbers” would be rejected, but was confident the information provided by the town’s accountant would be accepted. While the Town Treasurer has been reluctant to release a free cash estimate, Mr. Markel said the town will start with around $94,000 left over from Fiscal Year 2012.

Last year, the town expected an estimated $194,000 back in free cash — however, due to issues and errors within the financial records, the state only certified $100,000. Mr. Markel commented that he did not expect FY14 free cash to cover the estimated $300,000 budget shortfall.

For Templeton officials, the next financial hurdle lies in getting a certified tax rate, which can only be accomplished once the FY 14 budget shortfall is resolved.

The tax recap sheet will be sent to the revenue department and the tax bills for FY14 will be delivered after the rate is certified — following the March 29 meeting, according to Mr. Markel.

Templeton chair resigns

Templeton chair resigns

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Board of Selectmen Chair Jeffrey Bennett resigned Monday morning, effective immediately, according to Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel.

As outlined in the board’s Policies and Procedures, should the Chairman leave office, the Vice Chairman will take up those duties until the board elects a new Chair. Based on that process, current Vice Chairman Kenn Robinson is expected to step up and assume the Chair’s responsibilities and a new Chairman will be elected after the annual town election in May.

Mr. Bennett, who was elected to the select board in May of 2011, was unanimously appointed to the position of Chairman in May of 2013 while serving in Afghanistan with the National Guard. His three-year term was set to expire this May and records with the Town Clerk’s office indicate he had recently taken out nomination papers for re-election.

Narragansett energy plan to save money

Narragansett energy plan to save money

$3.2M boiler will be cheaper in long run as it burns wood
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — The Narragansett Regional School District hopes to move forward with the installation of a biomass boiler system after a special town meeting vote later this month.

Superintendent Ruth Miller originally proposed the March 29 meeting to get the town’s approval to borrow the $3.2 million necessary to complete the project. The Board of Selectmen then made the decision to hold its meeting to solve the current budget shortfall in conjunction with the school.

While $3.2 million may seem like a hefty pricetag at a time when the town is struggling financially, Ms. Miller explained that there will be virtually no impact on taxpayers, as the money saved yearly in oil costs, as the boiler would be burning woodchips, would cover the yearly loan payments.

Documents provided by Operations Project Manager Tim Singleton of Newton-based Diversified Projects Management indicate that the annual finance payments for the project will amount to about $234,700, while the fuel savings per year is listed as $234,493.67 — a discrepancy of only a few hundred dollars.

Blood Drive

BLOOD DRIVE TODAY!

from 2 pm - 7 pm

KAMALOHT

East Templeton

Meetings 3/17/14 – 3/21/14

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Meetings  3/17/14 – 3/21/14

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Monday  3/17/14

Town Admin Search              690 Patriots Rd       4:00 pm

Conservation                            4 Elm St.              7:00 pm

Tuesday 3/18/14

BOS joint meeting                     Kiva                            6:30 pm

Capital Planning                     690 Patriots Rd       6:30 pm

Wednesday 3/19/14

Mont. Public Health              Leominster              9:00 am

Assessors                            2 School St              2:00 pm

Adv. Board pre-town              690 Patriots Rd       6:00 pm

Adv. Board                            690 Patriots Rd.        6:30 pm

School Committee                     Kiva                            6:30 pm

MJTC                                   Fitchburg              7:00 pm

Thursday 3/20/14

Senior Center                            Scout Hall              6:30 pm

Crowded race forms in Templeton as spring election approaches

Crowded race forms in Templeton as spring election approaches

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — With the deadline to take out nomination papers now passed, the field of candidates for Templeton’s annual town election this May is beginning to take shape.

There will be a four-way race for two selectmen seats expiring this year, including a rematch between Robert Mitchell and incumbent Diane Haley Brooks. Mr. Mitchell and Ms. Brooks met earlier this year in a special town election, with Ms. Brooks winning the contest by a considerable margin. Ms. Brooks filled a seat left vacant after Virginia Wilder resigned last May.

Mr. Mitchell previously served on the board for several years before being recalled in a 2012 special election, along with current board member Julie Farrell.

Chairman Jeffrey Bennett, whose term also expires this year, has taken out nomination papers as well, along with School Committee member John Columbus.

State to hike fees on vehicle owners

State to hike fees on vehicle owners

By STEVE LeBLANC
Associated Press
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
(Published in print: Thursday, March 13, 2014)

BOSTON — It’s going to get a bit more expensive to own, operate and drive a car in Massachusetts after the state transportation department’s board of directors voted Wednesday to hike registry, inspection and road test fees.

Under the plan, non-commercial vehicle registration fees would increase from $50 to $60 and annual state car inspection fees would jump from $29 to $35.

Road test fees would increase from $20 to $35. The road tests are given before a person is granted a driver’s license in Massachusetts.

Officials said the fee hikes are needed to close a $55 million gap in the department’s annual budget.

One dollar of the annual inspection fee increase will be kept by the station that conducts the inspection. Commercial registration fees won’t change under the plan.

Templeton's Special Town Meeting warrant finalized

Templeton's Special Town Meeting warrant finalized

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON— The Board of Selectmen presented the warrant for this month’s special town meeting Monday night, providing the final solutions to the town’s gaping $505,000 budget shortfall.

The board started the night with nine articles submitted to the warrant – five from the board, two from the school district, one from the Advisory Board, and one from Fire Chief Raymond LaPorte.

The five articles offered by the board included overrides for three different amounts, the option to use free cash to help close the gap, and a 5 percent cut to town department’s budgets.

However, since the books for Fiscal Year 2013 have not been closed and no free cash number has been certified by the Department of Revenue due to the delay, Interim Town Administrator Robert Markel suggested the board combine the three override options into one article and finalize the language on the town meeting floor.

“We don’t know how much revenue we need,” Mr. Markel explained. “And we don’t know how much would be available from free cash should the town decide to use free cash.”

According to Mr. Markel, the language of the article should be changed so the vote will assess “a sum of money” and the motion on the floor will specify the override’s exact amount.

Town Hall forum to be held ahead of fiscal vote

Town Hall forum to be held ahead of fiscal vote

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — The Board of Selectmen will host a public forum on March 20 to educate and inform residents prior to the upcoming Special Town Meeting later this month.

The board, Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel, and several department heads will be on hand to present information and answer questions pertaining to the budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2014 as well as warrant articles.

Mr. Markel said that — while the town does not have a certified free cash number or tax rate — the town’s financial team is in “good shape” to have those numbers, as well as an override amount for the Town Hall meeting.

Residents expressed concern during Monday’s selectmen meeting that no new information will be provided at the forum and important questions would remain unanswered.

Board considers investigation into Light & Water's borrowing history

Board considers investigation into Light & Water's borrowing history

Previous complaints, record requests by board have cost thousands in (needless) legal fees

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — The state’s Inspector General may be brought in to investigate borrowing conducted by the Templeton Municipal Light and Water Plant to fund the construction of the John R.S. LeClerc Wind Turbine behind the Narragansett Regional  School.

The action comes as a response to a letter received by the board in January stating that the TMLWP operates under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 164 and therefore cannot borrow without a town meeting vote.

Selectmen Julie Farrell, who placed the item on the board’s Monday night agenda, stated that there is no record with the Town Clerk that the borrowing for the wind turbine – an amount of around $3.8 million dollars – ever went before the town for a vote.

“I don’t know if it needed to, but I would like the Inspector General to look into this,” she said.

Ms. Farrell explained that she believes, if the borrowing was done incorrectly, the town may be responsible for the money.

“I believe there exists a liability on the town that can come back and haunt us,” Ms. Farrell said.

Division of Local Services Alerts Part 2

Division of Local Services Alerts Part 2

Monthly State Aid Distribution and Use of Additional Funds

For FY2015, the Municipal Data Management/Technical Assistance Bureau will distribute certain Cherry Sheet aid monthly as in FY2014. Further details of the FY2015 distribution process are expected to be released in the near future similar to those issued in IGR 13-301 for FY2014.
Receipt of monthly Cherry Sheet aid in FY2014 should have improved cash flow and provided some additional investment income. The Bureau wrote a best practice highlighting one community’s use of its extra cash flow. Could their idea help your community or district? 

“Hitting the Ceiling”

For some cities and towns in FY2014, their levy limit either approached their levy ceiling or “hit the ceiling” either because their levy limit rose faster than their levy ceiling or their ceiling fell due to market conditions or to an extraordinary circumstance to the point where a collision occurred. When this occurs, there is a further loss to the levy limit and there is no process to recoup the loss. For most cities and towns, the levy ceiling is not a concern. But it is for others and it is serious enough to affect public services.
For cities and towns where such a collision has occurred or where one may occur in FY2015, please contact either the Bureau of Local Assessment or Bureau of Accounts if you need further information. 

Division of Local Services Alerts Part 1

Division of Local Services Alerts Part 1

 

Bulletin 2014-03B: FY2015 Budget Issues and Other Related Matters

Important information for FY 15 budgets-

Energy PILOTs
Communities receiving “payment in lieu of taxes” (PILOTs) pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 59, §38H(b) must follow the requirements spelled out in IGR 98-403 for tax agreements regarding power plants of generation and wholesale generation companies, which include solar generation facilities that provide electricity to the grid. Note Part I. C. which indicates that:
Agreements should fix values or formulas for determining values (rather than fixing tax payments). These values should be representative of the future full and fair cash values of the plant for the term of the agreement and payments resulting from them will be treated as property taxes for Proposition 21⁄2 and tax classification purposes. The payments are subject to the municipality’s levy limit, and the values will be used to calculate its levy ceiling and minimum residential factor. (emphasis added) 

ACT NOW!

 ACT NOW !

From MMA  Legislative Alert:

HOUSE & SENATE LEADERS OFFER LOCAL AID RESOLUTION FOR FISCAL 2015 UGGA & CH. 70

LEGISLATURE TO APPROVE $25M INCREASE FOR UGGA, BUT WOULD SET FISCAL 2015 CHAPTER 70 AT THE SAME LEVEL OFFERED IN THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET

HOUSE VOTE EXPECTED TODAY (WED., MARCH 12) AND SENATE VOTE PLANNED FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Legislative leaders in the House and Senate have agreed on a local aid resolution to set fiscal 2015 appropriation amounts for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) and Chapter 70 school aid in advance of the full budget debate. House leaders unveiled the local aid resolution at a noon caucus today (Wednesday, March 12), with plans to pass it in the afternoon. The Senate is expected to vote on the resolution tomorrow (Thursday, March 13).

FY13 books still open, state intervention feasible

FY13 books still open, state intervention feasible

Treasurer dismissed, accountant resigns
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Templeton’s already challenging financial situation could soon become even more dire as, according to several members of the Board of Selectmen, the town has been threatened by the Department of Revenue with receivership.

With the DOR’s  March 15 deadline looming and both the Fiscal Year 2013 books and the town’s Schedule A forms incomplete, it is looking increasingly unlikely the town will be receiving it’s March state aid payment – an amount that could total over $100,000.

Should the books remain open and Schedule A still be incomplete by March 31, the DOR will suspend all state aid payments and take over the financial operations of the town.

20 percent hike in sewer rates planned

20 percent hike in sewer rates planned

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON— Sewer customers will see their first rate increase in four years, as the Sewer Commission voted for a 20 percent hike during their meeting last Monday.

The increase, according to Sewer Commission Chair Mark Moschetti, will amount to an extra $60 a year for most customers, or an additional $15 on each quarterly bill.

The decision comes after a rate study conducted by water and sewer consultants Woodcock & Associates recommended the commission raise rates by 35 percent, and pointed out that a minimum 15 percent increase would be needed for the department to break even.

“We don’t need 35 percent at this time,” explained Mr. Moschetti. “The 20 percent will be fine.”

Analysis of Templeton selectmen's shortfall explanation

Analysis of Templeton selectmen's shortfall explanation

To The Editor: 3/12/2014
Bernard J. Heaney
Templeton

To The Editor:

This letter is written at the request of the Templeton Select Board chairman asking that I correct information I provided in a previous letter explaining my “misunderstanding” or “misrepresentation.” On Jan. 27, the chairman presented a second explanation for the town’s fiscal 2014 budget shortfall describing the shortfall as $505,477; not the $1,005,000, as suggested by me in my previous Jan. 22 letter. The chairman requested that I submit this second letter.

I would like to state for the record, that there was no “misunderstanding” or “misrepresentation” on my part and that, based on the chairman’s recorded words during the Select Board meeting of Jan. 6, that every word in my first letter was true.

March 10, 2014 BOS Meeting and… The movie

March 10, 2014 BOS Meeting and…

The movie

Part 1 of the March 10, 2014 BOS Meeting

Part 2 of the March 10, 2014 BOS Meeting

Part 3 of the March 10, 2014 BOS Meeting

Part 4 of the March 10, 2014 BOS Meeting

The Board opened the meeting with the pledge and approved the minutes.  One resident spoke at length about the budget recap sheet during public comments.

The agenda item to discuss the Capital Plan & project recommendations was postponed. There was a brief discussion about trust funds and the process of contacting the Attorney General’s office for a change in use of a trust fund once its purpose is outlived.

Templeton wins national grant

Templeton wins national grant 

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Templeton’s Council on Aging has received a $10,000 outreach grant to help educate, screen and enroll seniors in government assistance programs.

“We are one of only 30 agencies in the entire country to receive this grant,” said Bethany Loveless, director of Templeton’s council.

The grant — which specifically pertains to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP — allows for the creation of a part-time temporary position with the council who will work with seniors in Templeton, Athol and Phillipston to enroll them in the program and make them aware of other assistance programs they may be eligible for.

According to Ms. Loveless, only a limited number of grants were given out and Templeton’s economically vulnerable seniors made it an ideal candidate.

Cities and towns find savings in energy efficiency efforts

Cities and towns find savings in energy efficiency efforts

Staff Report

GARDNER — By upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and heating equipment, local municipalities and nonprofit organizations will gain more than $2.5 million in annual energy savings due to energy efficiency programs supported by Unitil over the past year.

In that period, Unitil completed 27 energy-efficiency projects — from lighting to heating — in Fitchburg, Ashby and Gardner.

In Gardner, the company helped covert the middle school from oil to four natural gas boilers.

“These  projects not only will use energy more efficiently, which reduces cost, but will improve the comfort of the facilities,” said John DiNapoli, municipal and community manager for Unitil.