Well, we almost had a full house on Bridge Street tonight. It was apparent that the boys were trying to be on their best behavior. . I sat with my back to the wall, almost. It was a surprise to see our old friend Bubba show up for the meeting. I am guessing that he will come in as a hero, and "save the Light and Water from us terrible people!!" How big of him! Jerry must have gave him orders to go and see what is going on. Will asked some questions about the Pilot that we get from the light co. It is funny that theycan give a very round about explication, of how they come up with a figure to pay us, when this past summer they could not give a answer to the same question! When Will asked about a program he had brought up earlier, to help the elderly, Dana wanted to know how many people were low income. No one knew, but he said something to the effect that these people make $ 60,000 to be on fuel assistance. Oh boy don't they wish! Another program Will asked about, Good old John said he had about 300 energy efficient light bulbs, in his office. He would give them out if people asked, but did not feel he could be responsible for their disposal when they break, because they have mercury in them. They also said they gave out water saving devices. What a crock, they had a fit when Will brought this stuff up at earlier meetings. I think they are playing games, trying to humor Will, so he will go away. The big one came up!!!The PILOT, as I said, they gave us a big run around, but it got funny when Dave Smart asked about them charging the Sewer Dept for giving them readings. That is ok, but when Will asked why we do their payroll for nothing, they think that is ok. Bubba tried to imply that they could do their own payroll, and not give us PILOT money. The PILOT is payment-in-lieu-of-taxes. That no way pays for services we provide for them. They were blowing enough smoke to almost call the fire dept. This is going to be a really rough road with these guys. I can tell they want us to go away, and let them play their own games. Enough for tonight, Bev
Well it figures that Bob Bubba Columbus would take the side of Dana and Driscoll. WE DO NOT NEED TO GO BACKWARDS HERE. BUBBA GO HOME!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDamed if they do and damned if they don't, huh Bev?
ReplyDeleteDana, what do you think I am, stupid! The bottom line is the town is in big trouble, and like it or not, we need money from some where, and the small departments can not bleed any more. That means you guys at Light and Water step up and contribute, one way or the other. Is that plain enough for you? Bev Oh yes, be a man and use your name. Is it Dana or Bubba?
DeleteIt's probably Bubba's wife. He can't even use a tissue to blow his nose, how could you expect him to use a computer?
DeleteNot sure what answer they gave about pilot, but on the public power page, a website you can google, it lists all the public power companies in new england then mass and it gives the fomular and the percentage of a particular number off the financial report of light co. I did the math and put it on here a while back, it came out to around $385,000.00 if I remember corectly. Anyone can check that. Perhaps Pauly can post the link for the site on here.
ReplyDeleteWhen we asked them about the value of the light dept he refered to the audit price in the report!
ReplyDeleteFunny thing is nothings there but the total figure.
Add in the value of the sales/customers,free cash and other assets,investments and now were looking a real amount closer to true value not the ass value, ass value!
ass value is the lowest amount that can be put down for reports after deprecation, the place to worth more than the 11 million they say, just add up what they spent over the years and see the amount of increase in value.
If sold free cash could be around 3-4 million alone. They have to pay for the power before they get it and are required to have the money for 3-6 months of power purchases, time to get with town accountant and research to see waht the amounts realy are!
Nice to see that driscoll doesn't charge the water department rent of 35k anymore.
Jeff I get the over 300,000.+ amount too!
Looking at it any way or report used to figure it is alot more than they give. Time to put the DOR pilot recomendation into full swing and get the proper amount the town should or get rid of the light dept.Any business would drop the one department that can't produce like they should!
Sign the petition!
Shareholder!
Dave Smart
Until the people at light and water are honest, and are willing to help the town, we are in a mess. Our options are to go for a over ride, I doubt we could get one to pass. Then again why should we do that, when all that has to happen is for the Water and Light to caugh up some of the money they owe us. Why should we cut any more? NO ONE CAN LIVE ON THE PAY CHECK, THE OFFICE PEOPLE BRING HOME NOW. I SAY LEAVE THEM ALONE.THEY HAVE GIVEN ENOUGH AS IT IS! Bev.
DeleteTempleton does NOT need to be in the electricity business. There are other entities much better suited to be in the electricity business...companies that are PROFESSIONALLY managed, not run by amateurs. Municipal light departments have OUTLIVED their usefulness...PERIOD. We get NOTHING back for having a municipal light department. GET RID OF IT.
DeleteVery uneducated and untrue statement! Please do not ramble about topics you do not understand. Municipal light plants are among the only utilities with a real "bullet proof" system. The reason for this is because they put a ton of money into their system rather than investor pockets. Companies like National Grid rarely upgrade their system as much as they should which in turn causes extensive outages and no real reliability. If we lost TMLP it would be a great blow to the town! Lets take pride in the amazing job the guys at TMLP do and appreciate the job that has been done there past and present. Not smashing and bashing them because incompetant people dont know what they really have. Just and educated voice from the outside looking in!
Delete5;39 What you say might be true about some other Munis, I stand by my comments about TMLP. It is run by amateurs who bring nothing to the table. I do however appreciate the work that is accomplished by the workerbees, linemen and others. Its too bad that their leadership sucks. I do not quarrel with the state of the infrastructure...it SHOULD be superior considering the rate we pay. I stand by my comments. It would NOT be a blow to the town.
DeleteSmashing and bashing? Incompetant people (who is smashing and bashing now)? Educated voice?
DeleteOh gracious voice of reason, try to follow your own words. Try to enlighten the uninformed in a way that convinces both sides, please.
to 5:39
DeleteOther than the Hendrix spacer cable system and some excellent limb clearing (and maybe sufficient reclosers) can you be more specific as to what exactly TMLP brings to the table besides high rates? How about ethernet-over-power? How about returning some of the $2-3 M in free cash to the rate payers? How about the $4 "customer charge...what the hell is THAT all about? How about a REAL PILOT? How about "NET metering"? How about energy audits? How about sharing the energy saving light bulbs? (I guess we are too STUPID to disose of them properly!! How about some COOPERATION with town government? hoo-boy what an asset TMLP is !!
I didn't get a chance to read how much TMLP got fined due to poor service during storms last year. I did read how many millions National Grid and two other companies were fined. Maybe I didn't read it because you get what you pay for. With low rates comes lower service. Maybe we shouldn't look to settle for less than we deserve. Instead fix the problem at the top of the company. Don't sell the club when the manager sucks.
DeleteWell said Anonymous 8:22. I was about to bring that point up. Time for a new chain of command. I`m so glad I have my own non floridated water and duel system septic.
DeleteIs the limb clearing contracted out? To George of the jungle?
DeleteSo 546, what is your quarrel? You pay less rates than any surrounding town, ten times the service, and reliabilty that is unmatched! It should not be the light company that takes the heat for the insufficient job the selectman have done over on Patriots rd. TMLP giving the town 300+ k is not gonna fix a thing if people cannot run this town like a buisness. All it is gonna do is ruin the last great thing Templeton has!
ReplyDeleteRefer to 6:25
DeleteBetter check rates elsewhere ..you are wrong! reliablity @ 10 times..I don't think so, but I cannot quarrel with the reliability, but it is NOT due to the management, its due to the hard work of the linemen. Nobody is trying to make TMLP pay for the stupid mistakes of the prior selectmen. People simply want accountability , not dictatorship.
from the Boston Globe May 8, 2012
ReplyDeleteThe Boston Globe
Utilities cutting rates for electricity
Prices follow fall in natural gas cost
By Erin Ailworth
Globe Staff / May 8, 2012 here is the rest of the article..
HAS YOUR ELCTRIC BILL GONE DOWN? LOL
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2012/05/08/utilities_cutting_rates_for_electricity/
Massachusetts ratepayers could soon see their electricity bills shrink as the lowest natural gas prices in a decade make it cheaper to produce power.
Nearly 60 percent of the state’s electricity is generated by gas-fired power plants, and utilities - which have been paying less to buy that power - are passing the savings on to consumers.
NStar, now a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities of Boston and Hartford, asked state regulators on Monday to approve a nearly 16 percent cut in power rates for its 1.1 million electricity customers. That would bring the charge to its lowest in eight years and save the average customer about $6 a month.
Last week, National Grid, the state’s second largest utility, lowered its electricity supply charge by nearly 19 percent, cutting a typical customer’s monthly bill by $7.74.
625.. Rates are not higher, 3 to 4 in free cash is incase another 08 happens and they need money to pay for labor and buy equipment, net metering could and should be implimented in the future i agree, and for the 4 dollar fee come on! Its 4 bucks for billing but im sure could be explained if properly approached. 631... Reliabilty starts at the top! With financial decisions that are made for preventative maint. This could go on and on and on but it is my opinion that we should not get rid of this valuable town asset!
ReplyDeleteYou're fishing !! Try again
Delete"4 bucks for billing but im sure could be explained if properly approached"? WTF ?
DeleteWhat the hell is "properly approached"? "Master of the universe please explain, please explain the $4.00 service charge. I know I am just a poor misguided nimrod. Please use small words so that I, your small humble servant, may understand this complex concept." Like that?
LOL .....twlp got how much from FEMA and MEMA? Then tell us how much the Twlp staff got in OT and bonus pay? GIVE US A BREAK with your reasoning for your need for so much free cash in case of another 08....
ReplyDeleteLol. Do you think there is a fema money shuttle that is on standby incase a ice storm hits tomorrow? Haha... You need capital for up front costs! It takes time to get a portion of the money back from fema. And as far as the OT for the workers!.... Now your ripping guys for doing their job! Wth. Some of you people are crazy! Think like a buisness would! Oh wait.......
ReplyDeleteAnd exactly what "Capital" projects are in the pipeline? Please enlighten people and maybe they will go a bit easier on y'all. $4 doesn't sound like much, but when you multiply by how many customers X 12 months. Adds up doesn't it? Its just another way to screw the rate payers. And I will add another one to 6:25, Why can't we shop for a power generator supplier? I have no quarrel with the worker-bees or overtime or any of that stuff. A fish rots from the head !! Time to rid ourselves of the MFIC
DeleteChairman "Dana"
ReplyDeleteNow read this, I have started a petition to: An Act Authorizing the Board of Selectmen in Town of Templeton to Act as Light and Water Commissioners.
I think the statement that there are only a few people that are not happy customers will bite you in the ass!
P S
Chairman DANA
I do have balls!
SIGN THE PETITION AT CO+S GARAGE or call 9787244094
Shareholder
Dave Smart
The Fema money came quick cause you guys had the money to HIRE out doing the paperwork. I aint ripping the workers they deserved the OT. Did management deserve their bonus? When no other dept got it... yup that is so fair right? Hey Alan, hey Bud hey what did you guys get for your management bonus for 08?
ReplyDeleteAfter the 08 Ice Storm and a couple other storms around then, there was a news report that was discussing how many towns who had NStar and Unitil wanted to look into creating their own municipal light depts and dump the "big guys". The story was on how it is next to impossible to create a light company in this day and age. The start up costs alone is something most towns do not have sitting in the bank. It was a very interesting story. I'll try to find it. It made me think about Templeton's light dept and how I was grateful to have local light. We were out of power for 2 days compared to many of the surrounding towns. I was so thankful for their hard work through that. And I have had no complaints about the service they supply. I do not know enough about other rates in other towns to say that what I pay is good or bad. Does anyone have price comparisons to share? I do, however, have a real issue with the management of the Templeton Light Dept. After seeing how a similar light dept is run (in Princeton) and how forthcoming, honest, and open the manager is about the current state of affairs, I see that we do not have the same quality of management here. I am VERY concerned that our manager goes out of his way to prevent requests of budget or to simply explain and answer questions from their customers, Advisory Board, and BOS. That is unprofessional. And when a manager is secretive about financials and does not maintain a open and strong relationship with the governing body of a town, it leads one to believe he is hiding something. Whether he is or not, he needs to learn more skills in public relations and being more professional with business colleagues. I'm still not sure exactly what the light commissioners do. They too need to step it up and play nice with their customers and the town officials. If we cannot find a solution to the town's financial woes, we may have to sell the light dept. If the town goes into receivership, the state may force us to sell. Personally, I would like to keep our local light dept but correct the mismanagement and re-establish the lines of communication. The people that work at the light company are good people and do a good job. I want them to know my complaints and the complaints of others are not directed at them. Management needs a reality check and an overhaul. I hope town officials can straighten it all out. We really need to look at how other towns are set up and learn what we can do here to finally resolve these lingering issues. It seems it was run well about 10 years ago. So, it is possible.
ReplyDeletei think it's about time some people in this town, other than dave smart, and tom j,ben, jeff, and mrs farrell GROW A PAIR AND TELL WHO THE HELL YOU ARE !!!!!!!! hiding behind mama's apron is old!!!!!!!! brad lehtonen
ReplyDeleteNo
DeleteBullying, yelling and belittling is the tactics of the past town government officials. Do you want to know names so you can go camp out at their door and give them the evil eye? Deal with the topics at hand, defend your opinions, help solve these complex issues and take a chill pill Brad.
Its interesting that when the light and water issue heats up, people show up on here that have never posted before flinging insults and trying to start trouble. It also happened back during the elections. Is it possible that certain people are fishing for someone to say something that they can take to the lawyers? Hmmm...
DeleteThe only fish that you would catch around here is bottom feeders! True fact!
DeleteThe last was the best!
ReplyDeleteMr driscoll have you recieved any complaints about the windturbine flickering. He answer yes, and i told them not to be a wise guy but there are blinds.
My next question is do you respond to all your customers that way and when do you "resign"?
I only wish that my video recorder lasted to record that.
I'm not sure who the man with the complaint was but sounds like he wasn't the only one!
What damage can driscoll do to Templeton on this deal?
Just one more reason for Templeton Board Of Selectmen to control All departments.Do any of you think he let the boards know of the call? /complaint/ "He" should have brought it up at the meeting!
Shareholder
The shade needs to be pulled on driscoll
ReplyDeleteThere is a way to cut alot of expense from the light and water department. Contract out the work, one fee when you have water breaks crew comes in and fixes it. No trucks or equipment to buy, maintain or depreciate. Fewer employees again equal less long term costs as in pension and medical insurance. This will and does take work but it can be done. I had this conversation with sean hamilton a few years back about one municiple electric co who operated with no trucks, they contracted it out. Just a thought. For the rates in Templeton being cheaper, I can supply a bill from garage in Rindge NH for comparison, Templeton light is not the cheap anylonger. Buying power from the wind cooperative is expensive and someone has to pay for it (ratepayers) Please as if any of the secretaries (my bad) in Templeton make the 50K plus that the light girls do. Is that how you buy loyalty? Bribe them with high pay?
ReplyDeleteSo what's this about flicker from the windmill? I heard about that a while ago. There is an organization called WindAction.org or industrial wind action group. They have a lot of information about windmills and the effects on humans... and birds.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone filed a complaint about the wind mill? If you had a complaint, how do you file it? Is there a record of any complaints?
FE, Fi FO FEMA...I heard Light and water hired a consultant to file the forms for FEMA money. Probably paid about $23,000 for a service like that. Light and water got a lot of money back from FEMA. The former, former town coordinator messed up the town's FEMA figures for tree removal and the town voted special legislation on November 16, 2009 to pay Mayer Tree Service $228,630.75 because the former, former town coordinator messed up. Good taxpayers in Templeton paid for that screwup.
Also,the town could not pay their salaried employees like the police chief, fire chief, highway supt, cemetery supt, sewer supt, teasurer or town coordinator $5,000 a pop like light and water management. Not begrudging the lineman or any non-manangement employee for OT. They did a helluva job in really bad circumstances. As did the fire chief, police chief, hwy supt., sewer supt., cemetery supt. with NO $$$ no "bonus" from FEMA or the town. Capitalize that! Country club attitude with rate payers carrying the clubs. Time to sign that petition!
I have never had any problem with the guys that work for the Light Company. I have always appreciated the work they do. It is not with them that I have a problem. I do have a problem with this bunch who feel they are above the rest of the people who work for the town. We are at a time in town, where we need to come together, so we will not go into recievership. If that happens, the Light Company is history. Some one told me that Driscoll does not under stand why we have been attending their meetings? Oh, I forgot, gee they did have it made, a building full of over paid, good old boys. I would rather keep the Light Co., and hire people to run it. I would like people who understand on who their bosses are, and who would work to help the town. Maybe we could find a person who really cared about what happens around here. Our citizens group have only one goal. To get our town back on its feet, after it had been run off the rails, and over the cliff. We are broke, Yes BROKE..We have too much debt, no money in free cash. Poor management did this, we can thank the Echo Hill Gang for that. One way or the other, we will be ok. It will be hard and take a long time. I really appreciate the comments. At least I know you are there. Bev
DeleteReceivership might be the best thing! Then our town would have the state step in and tell us all the buildings and equipment we need. All of the taxes would go to the appropriate rate and we would start to balance out. Maybe then people would stop accepting the duct tap solutions we try to use.
Delete653 i agree! That is the best solution! Taxes are too low to sustain a good school system and good public services. Now people will HAVE to step up!
DeleteFirst, the tree fiasco is this, Mayer tree signd a contract to remove ALL the wood, as in limbs hangers etc in Templeton for I believe the figure was somewhere around $480,000.00. Then they got 1/2 to 3/4 wat done and decided there was way more wood than they thought or estimated so they wanted more money. At a selectmens meeting there was a rep from fema and mema and owner of Mayer tree. When it was discussed that possibly highway would pickup the rest, the owner of Mayer said to the effect "that is my wood and that could lead to legal action" I made a comment well get your wood off our streets. Most present did not see any humore there. The thing that bothered me most was a contract was signed for X amount of dollars to remove all wood. What was the problem. So it was decided to pay more and request special legislation which = more money for K&P. Why not hold someone to a contract? The records are there to check. Just another example of mismanagement and incompetence by former TC and selectmen. My opinion anyway.
ReplyDeleteMy understanding was this blog was intended to share truth about town government to the residents of Templeton so that we can be better informed. Some facts are presented on here but most of the time, opinions are stated as facts and hearsay becomes the general information communicated. It is frustrating! And, it diminishes the credibility of those posters that do share the FACTS.
ReplyDeleteI initially began reading this blog because I was excited for the opportunity to have a place to learn more about town government. I liked Pauly's concept. Unfortunately, I now turn to this blog for entertainment. However, lately, it is becoming more frustrating as I see people being rude and hurtful. I read very little facts anymore.
It's sad that there is so much anger and hatred in this town. I feel like it is a modern day witch hunt. We are looking for who we can blame for all our struggles. We have no money so you, with money, should pay for us. Why? Because we have little and they have more? Ok, that makes sense. We mismanaged money, you didn't, so pay up. We see it, we want it, give it to us you selfish people!
Rather than problem solve and think of solutions where we can all work together, we name call and insult other people and departments. This behavior is even modeled for us by our town leaders. That is no way to begin to build relationships or to form working partnerships. Not to mention motivate people to do their best!
Please think about what you write! If one side of your mouth (or hand) is saying that we should work together and opposing views are fine and encouraged and the other side is slinging insults, think about that. Who are you to judge? What is your role in bringing this town together. Take responsibility for your actions (words). If you are insulting and demeaning with your words, how could a partnership be formed?
Also, posting as Anonymous is smart. With the level of disrespect from fellow posters, it allows residents/taxpayers/shareholders- whatever you want to be called- an opportunity to comment without the fear of being publicly insulted because of differing opinions.
I would not trade this blog for anything. It has given a voice to the people who could not be heard any other way. This is a fact, with out Paulys blog no one would know what is going on in town. The gsnooz and the telegram have never given a real picture of what was going on with the Echo Hill Gang, and the negative effect they have had on our town government. Money was thrown away on legal opinions that cost us dearly. If you have read this blog, you know what I am talking about. You do get facts here, and people are sharing ideas. Yes you have insults here to, but suck it up or just ignore them. The good out ways the bad. To have people interested in what is going on in our town, is priceless. What some people take as anger and hatred is really frustration. That is the truth. I am talking to 9:23, You really think it is all about taking money away from the light because "they have more". No it is because we are a town, who has taken away as much as we can, from other departments. We can not take any more from them , and I will not ask them for one more cent. The reality is that the Light Department is a part of the town, and we need them to step up and help out. That is the truth! In a town like ours, it used to be if one was hurting, people would step up and say WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP! I do not see this happening. The Light Co was not ment to be a business, severed from its ties to the town. It was not like this until ten years ago. We are not selfish people, it is really sad that you can't see that. If we were really so selfish, we would stay home and let the chips fall where they may. Good luck with that, none of us are going any where, until the town is on its feet again. The good people who ran the Light Department would roll over in their graves, if they could see the behavior of the people that run it now. It is up to the Light Dept. to figure it out, is it time for them to contribute to the town or be selfish, so we will see how it goes. As for the people who want to share your thoughts, keep on blogging. This is my opinion, Bev.
DeleteWell said, Bev. So very well said. This person obviously does not really know the facts or they would see the real merit in this blog spot & realize it is exactly the frustration that you speak of that has people so angered. Also, I can guarantee you they have not been a victim of a certain few from the Light Co. or the old BOS regime or they would be "singing" a different tune. I know personally of the nasty things they are capable of doing especially when the "king of the gang" was in charge. That is not to say everyone at the light dept is like that. Most of the staff are very nice. However, as in life, it is only a few bad apples that have spoiled the bunch. Most there just want a job & it is not their fault that they were knowingly or unknowingly "bought" by someone for their loyalty & silence. Thanks for your wonderful commenting, Bev. You are right on, as usual!! These are all my opinions from personal experience & long term observation. Hope you are feeling better, Pauly.
DeleteI don't think selling the L&W is the solution. I'm not sure about putting it under the selectmen either (scrappy and VW and Chris ) come on thats just scary. what we need is a better commission. Dana - out. Chris S - out G Edwards - Out sorry Greg but you have become a follower. We need new commissioners, not members of the boy club. the linemen and workers are all good people. Management sucks. Ron Daven getting OT. Does Tom Berry get OT too? How about JD? and as far as the ice storm goes Carol Skelton got OT. Dave Smart for Light commissioner! Water go back with sewer. and yes water was moved to light so Jerry S could pad his pension.
ReplyDeleteNo name calling, just the facts. (sorry Julie)
fyi the water and sewer have never been one at least for the past 27 years ,they did and still due work together but if you check they have had seperate commisioners for many ,many years
DeleteFYI, FYI - Chris Stewart IS. a Light and Water Commissioner. Are you still scared?
DeleteWon't be able to make any changes if you just change up commissioners. The STRUCTURE is messed up. The linemen and workers are all good people. Need to change who controls the department if you want to split water from light.otherwise, it won't happen
Not to beat a dead horse but.....in reply to an earlier post about the great rates we have....HUh? Go look at MASSMUNICHOICE.org and you will see a graph showing all the munis and IOU's in Mass. The ONLY muni with higher rates is Paxton. Yes Templeton was #2 from the top. Out of 41 munis, templeton has the second highest rates in the state. I will leave it to you to decide why that might be. (in the interest of transparency the data is from 2004, but I doubt it has changed much). So much for the great rates (post 12/12 6:22)
ReplyDeleteIou's can recoup all costs incurred during a storm. They typically will request a rate increase after major capital projects and the rate case is usually met. This is not so for muni plants. That is why the current kwh charge in Templeton is lower. This is why data from 8 years ago may not be a wise choice to argue a point. Yes parts of your bill may be higher but the total cost is lower. This is due to the fact of the purchasing power of the ious.
DeleteThanks Tom J for posting MASSMUNICHOICE.org. I think everyone that thinks TMLP is a thing of the past should read the positive information about municipal light plants! Maybe some people like JF and DS should educate themselves.
ReplyDeleteMy point was this: WHY is TMLP at the top of the heap...right up there with the "IOU" Investor owned utilities when it comes to high rates? Is it due to poor management or poor oversight from the commissioners. I think the dog is wagging the tail over at Bridge Street. Giving the Selectmen commissioner status may be jumping from the frying pan into the fire....however SOMETHING has to change. That's MY opinion. btw, Princeton has overtaken Templeton as the highest rate in the state. I have no quarrel with the workers or the service, but if any of you think we are getting a good deal, you should check the facts. The facts and rates btw are extremely difficult to find online. I wonder if that is intentional.
ReplyDeleteWe are getting a good deal! Best reliability, best service, and a preventative maint. Program that is a proven sucess. So we may be a couple dollars more from time to time but to me it is worth every penny! I dont want to be left in the dark with no heat and hot water do you?
ReplyDeleteScare tactics...really? Are you afraid of things that go bump in the night?
DeleteBOO!
806 You sound like scrappy at the debate!
ReplyDeleteStep up! Just look at what we have now for what we have paid for. The rented hall,we don't own, The water system we owe more on than it's worth and it will cost alot more when /IF we get a plan to fix it!
But the one thing is the more we pay is that much more we will be able to say someone will screw the town out of again!
Our town is broken and it will take us getting involved to fix it! The selectmen need to manage the issues and not quit when there are conflicts of intrest.
Look at the one thing that should be more productive "money in pilot" and thats where the problems are!
No formula,no policy for decisions like other towns do.
Look into our history and you'll see that the problems we have now were not here 15 years ago!
I agree step up, but not on who should!
2013 pilot payment of 300,000. should be a step up figure we get.
Have the rate payers had a free ride? When the town has had less for the investment than it should have!
The rates are not any lower than driscoll put it at compaired to others rates. in other words as much as he can get away with. "Right jon"?
I counter your step up with a step forward and sign My petition. Put the light dept back to work for Templeton!
Not the boys club!
I have no problem with the workers,their pros. However the management has a problem with the perception that the dept head is the owner!He doesn't work for Templeton,so I've heard.
The next election in town may be the most important we see in a long time, we need people "out" and better people "in",to take over the controls and steer Templeton down the road to recovery, step forward and join us, "don't" and just sit down and shut up!
Shareholder opinion's
Dave Smart
more pilot means hirer rates ,where does the money come from o yea the rate payers ,give more away have to charge more .think about it from one pocket into the other all comes from the same place ,problem is they keep trying to get it threw taxes and people say no, so lets try the back door
DeleteWhat is the calculation for the PILOT? Is it on paper anywhere? Anyone ever seen it or God forbid analyze it? If it comes out of the ratepayers pocket now, why not increase the PILOT instead of giving out raises?
Deletea753, generators are the way to get you the most reliability!push a button and wala!
ReplyDeleteyour own hot water and heat taboot!
only 1000.-1200. 8000watts hooked up ready to go!
Fear not the big bad electric dept!
You can wait till their feeder lines are are fixed.
Then they will get to bring it to you.
We can do it!
Just ask what the REC money does for us,the shareholders!How much it is and why they spend it on what they spend it on! Or the 100k+ rebate for the nuke plant matainence. The fact is they can afford to give us more! "Nobody" said a word when they started to charge us to be a customer 4.00 in 2009, three years ago.Just the tings I mention here are way more than 1/2 a million! 500,000. they can keep 200 + give us back 300. "Problem solved". Have a budget that does'nt just spend what you get in! Over three years the customer charge is over 1/2 million.The answer we get on all questions to driscoll are thats what the others charge were in line with the others! "Bull"
ReplyDeleteShareholder
Dave Smart
If I'm not wrong "I think " that this blog Bev wrote has hit the jackpot on comments.
ReplyDeletecongrats Bev. Bart!
Good JOB!
Thank you!
Keep it up,
Shareholder
elf
Dave, how many shares do you own? I pay a light bill and cant find my invetment balance. Could you lead me in the right direction my good man?
ReplyDeleteDude, he's referring to the fact that every citizen that pays taxes in this town is a "shareholder" of Templeton. Its our money that is used to operate the town including the Light Dept. If you pay taxes here, then you're a shareholder too! We, the citizens (the shareholders) are the ones that decide at town meeting and at elections how our money is used. The fact that the Light Dept has possessed an attitude that they are an independent entity to the town is extremely flawed and needs to change. They are not a private company. We have a right to know how the Light Dept operates and how the financials add up (or not). People are pissed at how the Light Dept has been run by its management and are demanding that their PR and attitude change. Its as simple as that. I suggest you go back and read past posts/blogs to get a better understanding of what is being discussed. Its very "enlightening"!
DeleteIts time that the people in the light and water office get a taste of the real world .town meeting will be here soon enough . Hey Driscal ,You can keep the over paid ,I just want MY WATER DEPT.BACK !!!
ReplyDeleteDude, i know what he is trying to get at but non of us are shareholders! We are ratepayers! Purchasing a service and thats it! U dont like it then go off the grid! Dude!
ReplyDeleteDude, I guess you have never heard of a metaphor.
DeleteMaybe it is the water in this town that makes some so ignorant, that or a not so stellar school system.
The Shareholder's are the Templeton Citizens that are willing to vote and be involved in town affairs to include the Matters of business or public concern.Templeton has many and We The Shareholders are the only way back from the crap road we've been on for years. Get "involved" be Inspired to partisipate or don't expect any thing to change for the better.Many say run the town like a buisness ok than lets balance the light and water checkbooks to start!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good concern of a shareholder, but how without an audit?
What no audit you ask!
Windturbine audit has been coming for years, previous commissioners have asked and have still not recieved the Tmlwp windturbine audit report,Is it not something that they want us to know about? This town is on the hook for what the TMLWP do and I think the shareholders should be the ones with the fishing pole!
Call me an angler,fishing for the suckers that drain Templeton's future!
I've seen the chairmen of multipal boards disrespect other commissioners and will try to stop it by their removal's.
Who's first! Sign my petition, Abolish the light and water commission! Lets balance Templeton for good!
Shareholder's rule
Dave Smart
Since the light commissioners Dow, Kwasney and Dymek have passed on The Light Department has taken on a life of its own and not for the better. Mr. Skelton ran roughshod over Blais, Hamilton and Edwards with Ch93 Acts of 2000 and increased his pay by about thirty thousand dollars in his last three years to pad his pension. Perhaps Skelton felt he was owned this money after he and his wife tried to sue the town and came up on the short end. Brown got an increase in pay by working with Skelton as he was a Selectmen at the time of this Special Legislation and most likely worked for its passage. Hamilton got Skelton's old job by going along with this fraud even though he was unqualified. This was all against the law as you are not allowed to use municipal funds for a ballot election according to the Office for Campaign and Political Finance. This mess needs to be addressed.
ReplyDeleteA couple of months ago, I went to the meeting at the Light Department. When we asked why we were getting so little for the PILOT, we were told that they were not going to give us more money for the PILOT, and if they did, then they would get it back by simply charging us more. How do you like those apples?? It would not dawn on them to make some cuts, make some adjustments, do something a little bit creative! What the hell, we just cut the pay of 20 of our town employees from 40 hours, to 35 hours,(last May) and most of them stayed. These are the people who keep our town running. These are people who do not make enough to live on, to start with. I will be dammed if I will ask them for one more cent. As long as the attitude does not improve on Bridge Street, things will not get better at all. I do not think it is one bit wrong, to expect them to contribute to the finances of the town. It is alright when we ask other departments, even though they do not have alot to start with. This is the attitude we faced at every meeting we attended, at the light dept.. You wonder why we have been upset. The new improved attitude we encountered last week would have been a vast improvement, if only I could believe a word they said. Sorry guys, I did not. This is my opinion, like it or not. Bev.
DeleteThese comments concern me. The majority of the comments on here are so pissed that te light and water co dont give another 200k to fix the town. This sounds just like the lefties in Washington saying that taxing the incomes of over 250k is gonna fix the deficit. It WONT work! That is not the problem, its the entitlements! Until the people in our capital (patriots rd) can start doing their jobs nothing will change! And as far as i can see it alot of these problems did not exist when we had a buisness man over there!
ReplyDeleteand exactly who would that "business" man be?
DeleteActually, ALL THE PROBLEMS of this town started because of that crooked wannabe business man being over there. (Former Skelton supporter who learned the truth)
DeleteI thought muni light depts were non profit. Any profits were to go to the town. So sup wit dat?
DeleteHow come his name is attached to every issue in town? 252, school, light dept, sewer dept, Am Tissue, trying to fix elections, suing town for not getting "marital obligations" from his wife?
A1026- The fact is that after much research and digging,comparing,adding.
ReplyDeleteWe, not just me have uncovered many ways that the light dept has wronged this town. If you ask for a pilot formula 1st you get the faces made by the chairman! Next a long drawn out line of shit,followed by "its in line with other munis"!
Like the rates, the 4.00 charge and don't forget the free cash incase this or that happens!
As with any formula that we dug up in various laws the amount of piolt has been always short for Templeton ALWAYS!
So lets take a time travel back say 12 years and see when the debt load started to add up. You know when the pentions were getting special. For some very special.When the piolt was not even mentioned or asked about. Back then the pilot payments were almost as large as now! But if you check and see the amount now as stated in G.L.c.44,53f1/2
As i read to the board at light meeting
The validity of shuch a charge does not depend on the type of enterprise,but depends on the type and property used by the enterprise.If the decision is made to proceed with a payment ,the amount would be community's commercial tax rate mulitiplied by the assessed value of the enterprise's land ,buildings and personal property. This amount would be far greater and would be a black eye for the management for the rates would reflect a very high rate!
If you use the appa formula you get a greater pilot amount.
Also makeing the management look bad,high rates = bad job boys, lower rates good job boys.
Well their formula is in line with what they want people to think is going on. They have been short around 200,000.00 for over 10 years and have never been called out on it till now. Thats 2 million they have used to keep the rate low and us happy. Till now when the taxes wont add up to pay the budget,no matter what we cut the whole town suffers.Opps! "not the whole town" light goes on without any cuts!commissioners stipens,chem lawn,you name it they just buy it they have the money.
The towns money!
The pilot needs to be put where it should have been years ago! 300k to start! All the cuts other department have taken should have woken them up but they keep threatening to take it out on the customers, thing is they already did and are still!When town meeting hears the petition support and the long list of the past practices that got us where we are now,they will have a hard time getting any one to keep them in the posistion to do more damage to the towns checkbook! Other towns get alot more from the light depts. and my guess would be the help in other towns get less.
Why does a secretary get over 50k and a department head gets less? If we had a "real" buisness man over there than why is it he went to be selectman to cover it all up?
Fact is that if the pilot was fair the place would look like general motors did without a bailout! The Select board need to control the light dept and driscoll need to "co" operate the department like its a business of Templeton's
Yes the shareholders/taxpayers
The taxpayers are on the hook for this department and what they do,without any say! Thats wrong!
Lets not be the next princeton, we can not pay for the mistakes that have been made by them.
just my opinion,surely not alone! Thank Dana for inspiring me to participate fully!
Shareholder
Dave Smart
really funny how shareholder dave didnt really care until he became a town employee and now is afraid of getting laid off hee-hee
DeleteReally funny how the rats come to the surface on a sinking ship, really these rats got nothing to positive say, to bad the pied piper “business man” hypnotized these stupid rats.
DeleteI think we should get rid of him anyway! I heard that he wrecked the new truck that the light co donated! But he wont say that because apparently the light co does not do anygood for the town.
ReplyDeleteThe light dept does do some good, it is true. However they have been pulling the wool over your eyes ever since the “business man” came to town. You’re getting sleepy…sleepy...sleepy. Now take the carrot and go do your Master’s bidding.
DeleteHey Dummies! Wake up!
If "we"a850 knew the whole story just like the light company that Templeton owns has for a past it would be clear to you's people what has happened, Either you don't or you can not see past your blinders!The truck hood caught on the protruding light on my truck while pulling out of a cramped garage! Hood was put up to check oil and was not when I cheched prior to pulling out like i was told to!
ReplyDeleteThings happen, most are not deliberate! But the things at the office and meeting at the light dept are!
which pay are you getting a850 light,water,stipen?
proud highway worker
Shareholder
Dave Smart
Sign your comments 850
Does the light dept still put on a golf tournament? How did they pay for that? Any other depts put on golf tournaments with our money?
ReplyDeleteOne more factoid "A group" When the light department has surplus equipment it goes to the Selectman Board to do what they will with the towns best intrests considered. I wonder if the light department needed the new truck this one works great for us at highway! It's 10 times the old truck we had!
ReplyDeleteThank you Templeton Select board, us highway men are alot safer in this truck! Good question about the golf tournament! Will be a question asked on video for the next meeting at l+w, driscoll may have that info if dana does'nt?
I would think they pay their own way!
Just printed the "info" jeff thanks again! Stay safe.
Will is shareing some too!
Shareholder
Dave Smart
Maybe the Light company can buy the golf course and return all surplus revenue to the town.
ReplyDeleteDont get paid from any town dept but do know this,... These guys need new trucks because they are playing withELECTRICITY! These trucks need to be clean and free of all the crap that highway trucks have wrong with them! These guys put their asses on the line every time they leave home. Glad you got that turnover truck from them to make your work safer too! Get your mind around it man! I think the dept does a great job as a whole. People like you with no education speaking as if you do is what is wrong with this town damn it! Stick to driving trucks or wrecking them! Just thinking clearly and with my own opinions.
ReplyDeleteI look at this blog and hear this Dave Smart guy talk all about how the light co is costing us money. Well lets think for a second. The highway dept has spent many many months on this new senior center at the cost of the tax payers after the project being voted down. The newspaper reads about how they are saving the town all this money by having the highwayco do it. Are they qualified general contracters? Do they have the proper engineered plans, permits and equipment? I would bet that some of this is coming out of chapter 90 funds! I would rather have the highway fixing roads with my money. If we want to exploit some potential wrongdoings lets make sure we get them all! I am all in favor of a senior center but not when these fiscal hardships have tightened averyones wallet. Fuel budget may be underfunded this year? What if we saved all the wasted fuel from that half ass of a project on Bridge St.?
ReplyDeleteHey Anonymous 7:57pm dec 18 get with the program the senior ctr was not voted down. and no its not coming out of Chp 90 funds Mark and Bud have given their own time. The people voted for this senior ctr which in my opinion has been handled way better than the 252 Baldwinville rd boondoggle. and oh lets hire general contractors etc glad you don't run my business.
DeleteAnonymous is the key here boys and girls, You can sign in and be known too!
ReplyDeleteThe comments I make are derived from meeting after meeting and actual facts we dug up! I don't agree with the opinion you hide behind, due to the fact that your wrong about most!
I'm a graduate of the Enterprise Center! If you own your post you'll learn the true cause of Templetons problems!
Obviously I must have struck a nerve with you you are on a personal level and that good too!
Usually when that happens that means I'm very close to the goal of removing the wool from the eyes/blinders. I'm just glad that you have taken an intrest and visit this blog every day,as I will take and review for your comments!
I don't know it all and far from perfect but for sure one reason Templeton is in the mess were in,is due to the light dept. As I've said before and will say again,I have no problem with the help there! Its the table the runs it and that is needing to be changed. The truck was a crack in the fiberglass fender! Never out of service! Get a fact streigt and we can get to the real show and tell.If the town goes to state recievership, the one asset that they will look at is one with value! The light dept! Bankrupcy was mentioned at the advisory meeting tonight! Big word to digest but not easy to avoid if not smart enough to deal with it!
This is not about me it's about "our" Templeton!
Most employee's don't live in town and can care less about us,those people don't matter! It's the shareholder's that have it on the line.Were responsible for the mess to be cleaned up after. I'm not going to sit by and watch it crumble when I can see what I do. Go and attack the best you can, your most likely part of the problem/investigation thats why you'll stay anonymous? Am I RIGHT?
The Dept. has saved at least 250K for the seniors and we have donated our personal time also, step up and help resolve the problems in Templeton or go back to where you come from. I welcome fellow shareholders to help out!
It's what we do, we help each other out!
Senior center needs the help not the gripes!
Shareholder's rule! the rest will have to follow!
When you say my money? We voted yes and passed the senior center! The comment about "averyones" wallet? That's everyones but light and water,of course!
When the shit hits the fan it should go everywhere!
Not there though!
Shareholder
signed too!
Dave Smart guy
Step up it will make you feel good to get it out.
That's right Dave! You said it well. I find it interesting that this dude is pointing the finger at the highway dept helping the senior center as if that's a waste of money or not what the town wants or its a bad thing. Hey, the senior center is everything 252 Bald. Rd was not. And isn't it interesting that the light dept promised to help out the senior center yet has dragged their feet on getting things done. And couldn't figure out how to get the rest of their job done when everyone's had plans forever. Does the light dept hate the seniors? Why has so many GS supporters tried to cause problems for the senior center? Is it because your leader's ego was tarnished when he didn't get his $4 million town hall done first? There are a lot of people that senior center is going to help. The light dept should do everything possible to get juice to the building. But if the management of Light Dept lives out of town, they could care less--nevermind use it themselves someday. This whole mission to distract and deflect from the light management is getting really old and predictable. Facts are facts. The truth will come out one way or another. And hate to disappoint you Anon 7:57, but we've been called "stupid" before. That doesn't bother us either. I will correct you to say that actually, because intelligent and "smart" people have gotten involved in town business, all these wrong doings are being uncovered. As Bev says, it will come out in the wash. And I will point out for the 20th time, no one is complaining about the light and water workers. They are great. Its management who needs to step it up and provide better financial transparency and customer service. Any stupid person doesn't need to know a damned thing about electricity to know when management is poor.
ReplyDeleteSTUPID PEOPLE SUCK
ReplyDeleteAND STUPID PEOPLE VOTE!
DeleteI'll have to stop asking "how stupid can you be"....some people are starting to take it as a challenge!!
ReplyDeleteWow 757 thats it? It would be interesting to see if the real you has a spine and would look at some documents I just got to review! shed some light into your confusion!
ReplyDeleteLets keep this going and let the "truth" ring out!
Like I said , step up !
Shareholder
Dave Smart
The thing that puzzles me is,why wilder did not want me to get the documents,who is she covering for? Lets see what a closer look does to answer my questions.
ReplyDeleteShareholder
kirk?
ReplyDeleteSorry to disapoint you . but its not me
DeleteSure wish they could get out of their closets!
ReplyDeleteSorry kirk,my mistake. #2