The results

woo boy!!!! the results are in congratulations to Mr. Kenn Robinson (1st) and Mr. Doug Morrison (2nd)  our new selectmen!!!!!!
I came in third - and Mr. Skelton came in last.

Board of health's new is Elizabeth. (Jane)

and Gregg Edwards keeps his seat on light and water!!!!

A record turn out at the polls - Thanks to all who voted and let their voices be heard.

The school override lost by around 100 votes.

more details tomorrow.

It's a bright new day in Templeton!!!!!!!!!

ELECTION DAY

ELECTION DAY - TUESDAY APRIL 30th Polls are open 7 AM to 8 PM. Voting is at the
Narragansett HIGH School Gym - The high school gym - Elderly and Handicapped parking will be at the lower parking lot. ( the one right by the high school gym.) Parking for all other voters will be in the lot on the right (driveway closest to Brooks Rd) School will be a regular day so you may want to plan around the time of the school starting and getting out.

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

McLean Hospital

here is a copy of the email that was sent to the Planning Board regarding McLean Hospital, the letter is attached here. the term "without prejudiced" means that they can reapply at any time.

From: Carrera, Melissa A. [mailto:mcarrera@hembar.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 3:09 PM
To: 'planning@templeton1.org'
Cc: 'Levendusky, Philip G.'; 'ccjoyce@partners.org'; 'jrh@dwboston.com'; 'EHB43@aol.com'; Tillotson, Diane C.
Subject: 676 Baldwinville Road, Templeton MA

Mr. Giacobone,

Attached please find correspondence for Chairman Moschetti and the members of the Planning Board from Diane Tillotson on behalf of McLean Hospital and Edward and Mary Blanchard regarding the above referenced project.  Please bring this letter to the Board’s attention as soon as possible.  Thank you for your assistance and do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. 

Melissa Carrera

Secretary to Diane C. Tillotson

Hemenway & Barnes LLP

60 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

Thanks to the Planning Board for sharing this info - isn't open government a wonderful thing!

green communities

Dave Smart sent this along map of green communities and monies received.

Templeton Voters IT Is OUR BUSINESS

 Templeton Voters                    IT Is OUR BUSINESS

  Soon you will have an important vote to cast. It is your BUSINESS as you see fit.

When someone find’s a wrong and tries to fix it help them!

That’s all I can ask is for your vote. It’s your vote and it’s your business.

Templeton Municipal Light and Water Plant “IS OUR BUSINESS”

The money they have spent on lawyers 10k lawyers proves they don’t think it is.

Shedding some Light…Wind Turbine Land Lease Option

Shedding some Light…Wind Turbine Land Lease Option

FACT: There was no town meeting vote for wind turbine project.

FACT: Option for Land Lease and Wind Easement was executed on June 28, 2008. It states:

“...by and between Narragansett Regional School District, a regional school district duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ("Owner") and the Town of Templeton, Massachusetts, acting by and through Templeton Municipal Light  & Water Plant...”

Meetings the week of April 29

Upcoming
Agenda for the Advisory Board 4/29/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Sewer Commissioners 4/29/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Board of Selectmen 4/29/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Monty Tech Workforce Subcommittee 4/30/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Common Improvement Committee 5/1/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Monty Tech School Committee 5/1/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Advisory Board 5/1/13 Pre Town Meeting
Agenda for the Advisory Board 5/2/13 Pre Town Meeting
Agenda for the Board of Health 5/2/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Advisory Board 5/3/13 Pre Town Meeting

And don't forget to VOTE - TUESDAY APRIL 30th
POLLS ARE OPEN 7 AM to 8PM

and one additional note - to everyone that thinks that the traffic on this blog has gone down since I blocked the "anonymous" comments - it has not! Sooo to the people who tried to destroy the blog by posting all the nasty comments and then spreading gossip that it was Julie or Dave S or me posting those things (we always sign our names) - just goes to show - the truth is out there and the truth will prevail and I will not stop putting out the information to the taxpayers and voters! Blog on.

Thanks for reading - Pauly

Construction Continues on Senior Center

 GN April 26, 2013

I was catching up on the newspapers this morning after being out of town for work this week. I was glad to see an article about the Senior Center in the Gardner News. However I feel it is important to clarify a couple of the quotes in the article.

First ". . . They have been able to come up with several trailers . . . " The term COME UP WITH implies scouring through trash or discarded curbside items. The Senior Center Oversight Committee did not pull these units out of some rubbish pile. These units were very generously donated to the Town of Templeton by Bristol-Meyers Squibb. BMS acquired (40) of these units and used them for three years to house their employee's and operate their business while constructing a new facility.

more from Jeff B

ABC’s of America’s Most Challenging High Schools

April 12, 2013

1. How does America’s Most Challenging High Schools work?
We take the total number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year and divide by the number of seniors who graduated in May or June. I call this formula the Challenge Index. With a few exceptions, public schools that achieved a ratio of at least 1.000, meaning they had as many tests in 2012 as they had graduates, were put on the national list at washingtonpost.com/highschoolchallenge. We rank the schools in order of ratio, with the highest (23.571) achieved by the American Indian Public Charter in Oakland, Calif.

More State Budget info via Jeff B

Attached are some highlights from the Budget.

$200,000 for Buy Local, an important agricultural program to assist all farmers and provide consumers with fresh, quality products.

$80,000 for apiary inspectors, Massachusetts bee keepers are responsible in raising bees to pollinate and their hives have been the victim of collapse caused by a number of factors. The inspectors are key to protecting our food and fauna.

Increase of $23,000 for a total of $475,443 for riverways protections.

Increase of $500,000 for a total of $1,500,00 for open space and wildlife habitat land purchases.

Increase of $700,000 funding to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for a total of $10,840,172.

Increase to Mass Food Banks of $1 million enabling our food banks to supply more meals for a total of $14,000,000

Increased the DCR administration and State Parks by $500,000 to ensure parks that we enjoy will function properly.

Elder Nutrition Farm Share (part of Elder Affairs) was also funded at not less than $50,000

Increase of $50,000 for Dam safety for a total of $4,456,444

New collaborative programs with the Division of Marine Fisheries, School of Marine Science at Dartmouth and Gloucester Marine Genome Initiative will help to lead to solutions regarding fisheries management, food security and public health were funded at $525,000.

forwarded from Jeff B

HOUSE PASSES FY 2014 STATE BUDGET

AND $300M CHAPTER 90 BILL;

BOTH MEASURES HEAD TO THE SENATE

Paul H. Cosentino, Candidate for Selectman

My motto has always been “put in on paper,” so here it is.

I have lived in Templeton my whole life. I own two businesses with my sons, Cosentino Salvage & Recycling, Inc. and C.O. & S. Garage, Inc. No one can deny that I am a hard worker and I will work hard for the taxpayers of Templeton.

I have served on the Conservation Commission for 14 years, where my goal has been to help the taxpayers and treat them with respect. I have attended many Town meetings along with Selectmen meetings, Advisory Board meetings, and others over the years. My education comes from working hard, researching laws and bylaws, gathering information, and public record requests.

MCLEAN HOSPITAL

For all who haven't heard McLean Hospital has asked the Planning Board to pull their application without prejudice. Hey Kirk could you send us a copy of that email and explain what this means.
Thanks - Pauly

School Budget

Here is the FY 2013 Budget and here is the FY 2014 Budget Request. Hopefully this will help people to make an informed decision. So let's have some comments

Government Study committee

I believe Templeton has a government study committee and I believe Ms. Wilder was/is on it. When was the last time this committee met and has a town charter ever been discussed? I am unaware of this being brought forward to the selectmen. I believe the process for a charter is about 2 years. Article 49: To see if the town will vote to AMEND vote taken by the town on June 23, 1998 (which resulted in the town adopting MGL chapter 41, section 23C) this article would amend that vote to accept MGL chapter 41, section 23A sec. 4. As section 23A gives better clarification (less Grey area) on the position and the authority that the selectmen can vote to give the position,

who signed?

Interesting piece of paper having to do with the wind turbine, see who signed on behalf of the Narragannsett School District, the one supported by taxpayers of Templeton & Philipston. Then see who signed on behalf of the town, did the selectmen or townspeople ever vote to allow Sean Hamilton the authority to sign anything on behalf of the town. Now Dana Blais may not think the General Manager of the light dept has to ask permission to request legal advice, but I am pretty sure he needs permission to sign anything "on behalf of the Town of Templeton" Who was on the selectboard when this was done? Seems like there is a history of General Managers of Templeton Light who seem to think they have free pass to do anything and they do not have to ask the taxpayers or even answer their questions. What say you Ms. Wilder? Is this something you wish to build on, the General Manager signing on behalf of Templeton? Perhaps the next time a taxpayer sees Mr. Hamilton, you can ask him how he came by the authority to sign for the town? This document is the first page of this lease between Narragannsett Regional School District and the Town of Templeton. Some interesting wording and two pieces of land. It does show the date and who was on the board of selectmen in 2008? Who was town coordinator then? Here's page 1

Jeff Bennett

Remember click on the blue words

Some School Choice from Jeff B

Some School Choice information from Mass. Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education website

Going to the website for Mass Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education, I found these numbers. It looks as thought the max rate for choice is $5,000.00. It also seems to show how much is spent on what. I do not see the $11,738.00 per student cost here. This information was listed under the preliminary choice tuition section for March 2013.

Meeting the candidates

4/17/2013 7:55:00 AM Meeting the candidates

The Gardner News Candidates for office continued making the rounds this past week as hopefuls for Templeton seats participated in public forums to discuss local issues and three Republican candidates for U.S. Senate visited Orange for a meet and greet on Sunday.

Templeton Arts & Crafts

4/25/2013 7:05:00 AM In need of volunteers The Gardner News The end could be near for the long-running Templeton Arts and Crafts Festival. Without the help of more volunteers, an organizer recently announced the 39th annual event this summer could mark the end of a festival that regularly attracts thousands of visitors and more than 100 vendors to the Templeton Common.

today's letter to the editor

4/25/2013 7:07:00 AM Important issues facing voters in Templeton To the Editor: 4/25/2013

Virginia Wilder Templeton To the Editor: There are some things that you need to know before going to the polls on Election Day on April 30 and before going to the Templeton Annual Town Meeting on May 14.

last night

Tom and Luanne Royer put on a very nice candidates night. We are lucky to have people like them in this town. I said I had not fully made up my mind about the school override because I was waiting for the information that I had requested from Ms Miller. I would like to thank her for her quick response. Here is the FY 2013 Budget and here is the FY 2014 Budget Request. Hopefully this will help people to make an informed decision.

April 22, 2013 BOS meeting…the movie

April 22, 2013 BOS meeting…the movie

Part 1 Templeton BOS meeting on April 22, 2013

Part 2 Templeton BOS meeting on April 22, 2013

Part 3 Templeton BOS meeting on April 22, 2013

Thank you Chris Stewart!

Julie Farrell

 Apologize for my phone interruption during the meeting

Governance TMLWP Style

At the April 22, 2013 BOS meeting I made a motion to request the “memorandum on town governance” written by Ferriter Scobbo Rondolphe at the request of the TMLWP manager John Driscoll. Once again there was no second to my motion. Could it be possible the other members of the BOS have already seen the memorandum? You would think a memorandum on town governance would be of interest to members of the BOS, who are supposed to run the town.

Don't forget Candidates night is tonight

4/23/2013 6:37:00 AM For 10th year, Kamaloht hosting Candidates Night ahead of election

Kerry O'Brien News Staff Writer TEMPLETON — For the 10th year, Kamaloht in East Templeton is hosting a Candidates Night ahead of the town election. “It all started when we saw the need in the town,” said Kamaloht owner Tom Royer. “The town was growing, new people were coming into town and they didn’t recognize the names on the ballot. We figured you can’t go to the polls blind, you might as well come and meet (candidates) and get a feeling of who they are ... you’ll see the road signs along the side of the road, but it doesn’t tell you about the person.”

email thread showing the response to my question concerning MGL

 email thread showing the response to my question concerning MGLand selectmen authority and again, I did not mention nor ask about any citizen petition as that had already been decided.

Jeff Bennett

---

From: "Nicholas J. Dominello"
To: jpb01468@comcast.net, Towncoordinator@Templeton1.org
Cc: "Paul R. DeRensis"
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 3:32:58 PM
Subject: RE: request for legal clarification

Selectman Bennett and Town Coordinator Ritter,

My name is Nick Dominello, I am an attorney working with Paul DeRensis. Selectman Bennett, I am in receipt of your question regarding Templeton’s Municipal Light Company, the elected Light Board and MGL c. 164, §56. You have asked:

Legal opinion requested by Jeffrey Bennett

As you can see and check the MGL, I was ensuring or trying to make sure that the BOS could require the General Manager of the light dept. to come before them and explain things financially in hopes of clearly some questions up so taxpayers would know where, how and why monies are spent concerning the light dept. My feeling was and is, that with information in hand, alot of energy, effort and time spent going back and forth with the light commissioners could be avoided, and we as a town could possibly move forward. I was not looking at a citizens petition, I was merely looking for clarification on the reading of a MGL

Reiminder

Just a reminder

TUESDAY APRIL 23rd 1:ooPM - 6:00PM

 RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE at 

KAMALOHT

 1 NORTH MAIN ST EAST TEMPLETON

There is a urgent need for blood!

Public Records Request - NRSD

Here is a copy of an email I sent this morning to Ruth Miller, Seeing as we get to see line by line where the money goes for town budgets - I thought we should see

where the money goes school to help answer some questions and rumors.

April 23, 2013
 
Ruth Miller
Superintendent 
NRSD
Templeton, MA
 
Re: Massachusetts Public Records Request
 
 Dear Ms Miller:
 
This is a request under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M. G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10). I am requesting that I be provided a copy of the following records:
 
The FY 2013 NRSD Budget (itemized)and the proposed FY14 NRDS Budget itemized. Also information on the proposed override money itemized where it will go.
 
I recognize that you may charge reasonable costs for copies, as well as for personnel time needed to comply with this request. If you expect costs to exceed $10.00, 

please provide a detailed fee estimate.
 
The Public Records Law requires you to provide me with a written response within 10 calendar days. If you cannot comply with my request, you are statutorily required to provide an explanation in writing.
 Sincerely,
 
Paul H. Cosentino, Sr
978-808-3386
POB 177
Templeton, MA 01468
 

BOS April 22, 2013

Thank you Chris for your service

The BOS meeting last night went well. There was discussion about addressing Charlie Perkins property, the ATM warrant, a pole hearing, the petition for a pubic safety meeting and action on a class II license.

Perkins property – there was discussion and a vote by the BOS to address the on-going drainage issues on Hubbardston Rd. by Charlie Perkins property. The BOS voted to use Chapter 90 money to address the crown of the road, which is in failure and impacts the Perkins property.

State House News

The following email shows just where the priorities of your elected state reps are and it appears it is not education but they keep passing on those unfunded mandates.

Jeff Bennett

From: State House News Service [mailto:news@statehousenews.com]
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 10:55 AM
To: news@statehousenews.com
Subject: STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS - MORNING EDITION - MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013

STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS - MORNING EDITION - MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

HOUSE GAVELS IN BUDGET WEEK AT 11 A.M.
State representatives have filed 888 amendments to the $33.8 billion fiscal 2014 budget bill drafted by House budget chief Rep. Brian Dempsey. In past years, under House Speaker Robert DeLeo, most budget amendments have been grouped into subject categories and

Greetings from Afghanistan

Here in Afghanistan, around the month of March is sometimes referred to as the start of the fighting season. During the colder months and the rainy season, the Taliban, insurgents, Freedom fighters what ever name is applied like to take that time frame off. It is cold and when you live in mud huts and basically wrap a blanket around you as some sort of a jacket, it is not a good time to fight, apparently. Same goes for late summer when it gets really hot, there are lulls and then there are fast paced periods of trouble and fighting. Anyway, it appears the same thing may apply in Templeton for as in about March as election time approaches, things heat up.

Informing the people of Templeton

This blog was started a few years ago mainly because the Gardner News would only print some information or only one side of the story. I couldn't get information from certain departments in town, I couldn't get answers. I always allowed people to comment anonymously because so many people were afraid to speak up. I never deleted any comments because I believed everyone was entitled to their opinions. With the elections fast approaching some good information was being put on the blog, one big issue is the school override. This issue affects us all. People have given their opinions both for and against. This was good dialog and let’s face it- we are not all going to agree all of the time. Then came some nasty stuff on the blog targeting a lot of different people. Bullying, harassment, etc, Time to step back and say – if you want to add your opinions/comments on the blog, I welcome it. If you disagree with something on the blog tell me about it. If you have some local news or a kudos to a local team, know of something happening in town or just some advice on a where to get a good meal put it out there, but sign in first. No more “anonymous”.  Let’s move forward and keep communication open. Keep the information coming and keep Templeton Government open and transparent.  Vote and support the local businesses.

Thanks - Pauly

L&W Letter

This letter shows that something is not right at Light and Water. Seems like the same mentality concerning public records is at work again. I had once requested a public, complaint from town employee against a selectmen, it was denied with a response from the town counsel, Kopelman & Paige. After the same complaint was used at a BOS meeting and a copy of same was given to a newspaper reporter so I requested it again and again denied. I then requested a copy of resume of the con com agent, again denied. So I went to Winchendon where the con com agent was the same individual for Templeton and requested his resume and I walked out with a copy in hand 10 minutes after asking. When I asked at a Templeton selectmen meeting about this, I was told by Bob Columbus and Carol Skelton, "we can't talk about resumes" Picking and choosing what documents will be given out and what will not is the exact opposite of what Templeton needs, open, honest, transparent governance. So one legal opinion is held back and another is handed over, why is that? If one document cannot be given out because of Attorney client privilege, then why is the other one okay to hand out? This is how conspiracy and other arguments begin. Mr. Driscoll and the Light commissioners may not like what is in the document but give it out and end all speculation. One light commissioner said "we do things right over here" Apparently not true. Mr. Driscoll can expect more requests and even perhaps a legal challenge to his reasoning for the denial of access to records payed for by the taxpayers. The okay for that bill had to go through selectmen to be okay-ed to be paid. If the selectmen really worked for the residents, they would not have signed off on that bill until it is released. But it is apparent, a majority of the BOS do not work for the taxpayers. At least we know two of them will be gone after April 30 election. That is my unfiltered opinion on this matter.

Jeffrey Bennett

Unsustainable…School Choice

                                   

The comments in the blog posting  “The blog”  have started to digress to the school override. I decided to write this blog for comments about the override and school choice. The links below will provide some background information on school choice in Massachusetts.

School Choice 2013 in Massachusetts

Economics of School Choice

A long time ago, I was a member of the Narragansett Regional School Committee.

Shedding Some Light…Good News!!

The turbine is working again. The Gardner News article by Kerry O’Brien is very informative. One paragraph states: ” The Templeton Municipal Light and Water Department purchased the turbine for $3.8 million form the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Co.”  I could have sworn the turbine was purchased from AAER, which is now bankrupt.

Ballots for April 30th

The ballots for the election on April 30th have been posted.

^BALLOTS 

^{For the senate race there are two ballots – one for the democratic} primary and one for the republican primary. If you choose to vote in this election, you would need to declare a party. You can revert back to “unenrolled” status after you vote if you prefer no party affiliation. 

The green ballot is for the local election and the override question for the school is at the bottom of the ballot.

The voting place will be at the Narragansett high school gym. The election will begin at 7:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. There will be parking available in the lower parking lot to the side of the gym. The BOS have been informed that the CERT team will be available to help direct traffic. 

Please VOTE on April 30^th!

Julie Farrell

Capital planning meeting Via Afganistan

For the convienance of the residents of Templeton, please look closely at articles 28, 29, 31. I can not think of why no one from the school committee or superindent was not there to answer questions. The lack of information is puzzling and troubling and i am someone who cares very much about education but an article with no vote and the chair of the elementary building committee states he knows nothing of this??? Questions for the BOS and school committee????

Minutes of Meeting

Capital Planning

690 Patriots Road

April 18, 2013 4:00 p.m.

Present: Julie Farrell, Wilfred Spring, Kirk Moschetti

ex officio Town Coordinator Jeffrey Ritter

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and to make recommendations on capital articles for the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) in May. Copies of the Capital Planning By Law were distributed as well as draft copies of the articles for ATM.

The real info

For anyone who attended the Candidates night at the legion, you may remember Candidate Skelton stating that 10 people cost the town $200,000 on the 252 Baldwinville rd project. Again we see the double talk and bu-----t. of team Skelton. Virginia W stated something about the bond on 252 being combined with the school feasibility study making it be $700,000. Soooo I, PHC Sr  made a public record request to the town treasurer (nice to get a prompt response) who sent me the attached pages (5) right from the general ledger, check by check, disbursement by disbursement. Read for yourself, read it again and again and again. Pay attention to the last page that sums it all up including interest cost the loan. Cost for 252 Baldwinville Rd
Now I bring your attention to Ballot of the Special Election of Feb 6, 2012 and the results of that election  Looks to me like 934 people voted NO on the 252 Bald Rd project - a lot different than Mr Skelton's comment that 10 people stopped the project.

Got any facts to dispute these facts?

Thanks for reading Pauly

PS transparency and Honesty in Government are very good things

passing along info again via Afganistan

Using the internet and Pauly's Blog to pass information along and to help keep taxpayers aware of any issues, actual or perceived in the BOS office. As all e-mail (with a few exceptions) is public information, I thought I would pass this on.

respectfully;

Jeffrey Bennett

The blog

A comment was posted that the blog is a waste of time. Whose time? And anonymous April 19, 2013 at 11:11 PM will you ask your mother what you are talking about. No one else can figure it out and I want to know what questions I should respond to. And shut the light off before you go to bed or pull your shade. A h----what you need is a tour with Jeff Bennett in Afghanistan. Oops my mistake, you could not pass the physical, especially the mental.

Hey anonymous April 20, 2013 11:03 AM get some help before it's too late and don’t mess with mother nature,  you know her powers. Hee- hee -hee.

Hey anonymous April 19, 2013 11:31 AM, you are so right if you knew then what you know now-what would you say about the recall? Come on answer in detail so all can read it on the computer, on this blog. Spread some truth about the recall, thank you. Just for bringing it up to the taxpayers.

Hey anonymous April 19, 2013 7:01 PM the only reason VW can do a much better job than Jeff R is -poor Jeff didn't heed proper warnings about a ” Viper”. I am making Jeff R a snake stick to keep in his office. It works on regular snakes also.

Thanks for reading my opinion. Pauly

Upcoming

Upcoming

Agenda for the Board of Selectmen 4/22/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Historical Commission 4/23/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Advisory Board 4/23/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Planning Board 4/23/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Monty Tech Student Advisory Committee 4/24/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Common Improvement Committee 4/24/13 Meeting

Town Wide Yard Sale

SATURDAY MAY 11th is the 
5th ANNUAL TOWN WIDE YARD SALE
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM 
Hats off to Gail and everyone at Country Mischief for organizing this every year!
Proceeds will Benefit the NRHS Marching Band

Link to the Flyer
Link to sign up sheet
Link to Country Mischief

Spring Cleaning

Saturday April 20th is 
Bulky Waste Day, 
Click Here for Details

an email

The following email thread shows the question and possible solutions of the issue of 475 (b), I have already commented on how I feel about this in a previous blog, in short, I believe the town should maintain checks and balances on all financial transactions. Questions for the Board of Selectmen??

Jeffrey Bennett

Some more thoughts from Afghanistan

Just read an email from the town coordinator who was passing along the response from town counsel concerning the issue brought forth before the selectmen concerning concerns by some town employees and retirement contributions. The question was if Templeton could bypass having a majority (at least) sign the warrant in a timely manner so these contributions could be made on time. This issue affects town employees investment in their retirement accounts (such as interest earned or loss depending on timing) as a deployed selectmen, I am out of that loop until my return to Templeton. There are four selectmen to sign the weekly warrants, payroll & bills/invoices, there is a need for three (3) selectmen to go into the office to sign the paperwork,

Stop thief

Every year some lowlife goes around town stealing or just removing political signs from tax payers properties, throwing them in the woods or just hiding them,  after political signs has been on the taxpayer's property three or four days and then it's gone. Did the landowner not wanted it on the property? Or did some worried moron decide to remove these signs on his own? To help his choice for the position. I know who did it last year because some people like to brag especially if they've had a few beers. You never know who's listening, pretty good, huh? So watch out lowlifes if the sign isn’t yours, keep your hands off. Or maybe it's just that you like me so much for selectmen you decided to take my signs for keepsakes, Hee-Hee-Hee.

Pauly

Some thoughts from Afghanistan

It is election time in Templeton once again and the blog is heating up, one more candidates night to go before the all important election. Please be sure to vote. First things first though, Thank you to the ladies (also town employees) at the Assessors Office for the package sent to me a short time ago. The solid chocolate easter bunny was a nice choice, especially for a choc o holic like myself. I did also bring a smile to my face as I opened the box. Now whom ever posted on here that being a selectmen is a thankless job surely did not know what they were talking about. Take time to speak with town employees, take time to stop and talk with town residents, especially when you see them at meetings and I am always shown why I like being a selectmen.

Local Businesses

In an effort to promote local businesses, you will notice that to the left I have a link to a list of local businesses. I am having my grandson ( because he is better at the computer) put in links to the businesses websites. If you have the web address to a local business' webpage or to their facebook page please forward it to us at cosentinosalvage@hotmail.com so people will have a easy time finding  what is in town and support our local businesses.

These business support our town and our schools by paying taxes.

Thanks - Pauly

Yeah right?

Particular people look you right in the eye and lie and smirk like we believe them. The biggest problems are coming to an end very shortly and that group thinks it's a joke. Don't forget the state house bill  623 submitted by Sen. Brewer and Denise Andrews. When that bill comes up you will see the smirks, off their lying, cheating, sneaky faces. It took me nine years to do it but it's done and jail time is slowly approaching, for the ones responsible name for name and offense, obstruction of justice big time.

By the way Will Spring - East Templeton school is and I say-will make a nice town hall. No lounges or marble fanfare, just a nice old building that will last years and years and years. Just keep the school department away and watch how well it comes together. I have a plan for a new roof and it won't cost us $200,000. Cookie jars are not allowed on the property-I know for a fact that a few people don't want it to happen but that few is not going to stop us.

Thanks for reading my opinions. Pauly

Can’t make this up!

The May 24, 2010 BOS meeting was a very long meeting. The text of the entire meeting minutes is now available for all to see. There  are nine pages of minutes for this meeting.

  

Minutes of Meeting

Templeton Board of Selectmen

690 Patriots Road

May 24, 2010

6:30 p.m.

Present:  Board of Selectmen:  Julie Farrell, Dennis O’Brien, Robert Mitchell, Robert Columbus, Chris Stewart; Town Coordinator Carol Skelton

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dennis O’Brien at 6:30 p.m.

At the bottom of page 8:

Discuss and Act on the Purchase and Sales Agreement for the new Town Offices

Dennis read an email from Shirin Everett of Town Counsel.  Carol asked for the Board’s recommendation on starting a Title Search on the property at 252 Baldwinville Road.  L. McClure asked for verification as to who was on the Municipal Building Committee.  D. Dennis asked for verification that the Town will do all the testing.  Chris verified that two tests will be done.  Dennis stated, after a citizen asked, that they have to test for air quality in the building and outside for contaminants.  There was discussion regarding signing the P&S Agreement before the testing was done.  It was verified that the Town had the right to back out of the Agreement if we not satisfied with the testing results.  A person mentioned that Town Meeting they knew someone who worked at the building and they worked with Mercury.  Carol stated that we have to sign the Agreement to bind the property.  Julie wanted clarification on Section 2.11 Use of Money to Clear Title.  She doesn’t think it should be voted on until a date after the committee meets this Wednesday.  There was further discussion regarding whether or not to vote tonight.  Bob M. stated that he walked the property and there is a barrel outside that says “poison” and “fenal” right on it and there are squashed blue barrels also.  He asked who determines where to test.  Jerry S. said the people that do the borings.  Kirk M. offered info from experience that a lot of times geological mapping is done as far as the way the water tables run. 

Bob C made a motion to sign the P&S Agreement subject to the testing on the building and Dennis seconded.  Vote was taken as follows:  Bob C., Dennis, Chris, yes and Bob M., Julie no.

some info from Jeff Bennett

The following was taken from a web site put forth by the Massachusetts Division of Local Services and makes for interesting reading (for this person anyways) What this shows is there is a way for a community to make progress, install / replace / upgrade infrastructure that could lead to economic development. It does appear to take the citizenry out of the loop (no voter approval) My first thought is how does the town successfully help in marketing 40 plus acres of commercial land on Baldwinville Road that has very old sewer and very questionable water lines in place. Well we could say we did a nice redo of Baldwinville Road but that is like saying yeah I put new windows and a nice paint job on my house but the crack in the foundation, no worries man, have not had any water in the basement yet. Now that would give me a warm fuzzy feeling to buy that home. I believe one of the candidates for selectmen, Kenn Robinson said something about using the same principles that successful Gateway Communities use to encourage and attract development and I would prefer commercial development over residential.

Congratulations Coach Kirby!

Narragansett softball coach Mickey Kirby has been named MIAA 2013 softball coach of the year!

Article published Apr 17, 2013

Hometeam softball: Narragansett's Kirby state’s coach of the year

Jay Gearan Softball

Only hours before his team romped to an 18-0 win over Littleton on Monday, Narragansett Regional softball coach Mickey Kirby received some very good news in an email.

Kirby was named the 2013 MIAA Softball Coach of the Year. Selected from among nominations sent to a screening committee of MIAA Coaching Education Instructors, Kirby was given the award based on his “excellence of character, impact upon students and community and coaching quality.”

Kirby will officially receive his award at a recognition banquet on May 29 at the MIAA office in Franklin. In addition, Kirby will be the Mass. nominee to the National Federation of High Schools for Coach of the Year Honors.

Red Cross

The Red Cross has announced that they have a critical blood need. So this is a reminder that there is a Blood drive at Kamaloht on Tuesday April 23rd from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM - 1 North Main St East Templeton

For an appointment please call 1-800-RED CROSS

Enough Said…252 Baldwinville Rd.

Background information:

Once upon a time, there was a municipal building committee in the town of Templeton. This committee was created by a vote at the ATM in May 2006 (Article 32). Over the years this committee looked high and low – every place a committee could go – to locate a site for a municipal building. A few years and $15,000 later, a site is located! 252 Baldwinville Rd.

May 17, 2010 ATM Warrant Article 64 passes!

At this point in time, Dennis O’Brien was chairman, Bob Columbus was Vice Chairman, Chris Stewart was Clerk, Bob Mitchell and Julie Farrell were members of the BOS. The minutes of the May 24^th BOS meeting on pages 371 & 372 record the vote to sign the purchase and sale agreement for 252 Baldwinville Rd. Mitchell and Farrell vote NO. O’Brien, Columbus and Stewart vote YES. The chairman of the BOS, Dennis O’Brien voted to sign the purchase and sale agreement for 252 Baldwinville Rd. Dennis O’Brien resides at 259 Baldwinville Rd. The chairman of the board is an abutter to 252 Baldwinville Rd. This vote to sign the purchase and sale agreement for 252 Baldwinville Rd. is probably illegal.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the victims and families of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

April 15th

HAPPY APRIL 15th all
Hope everyone has their taxes done.

Other things around town this week

WAYNE AND BRUCE of BOOTHILL EXPRESS will be at 
JK CROSSROADS on Saturday April 20th 8:00 PM

Meeting the week of April 15th

Upcoming
Agenda for the Recreation Committee 4/15/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Advisory Board 4/16/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Sewer Commissioners 4/16/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Conservation Commission 4/18/13 Meeting
Legal Notice for the Conservation Commission 4/18/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Cemetery Commissioners 4/18/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Historical Commission 4/23/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Advisory Board 4/23/13 Meeting
Agenda for the Monty Tech Student Advisory Committee 4/24/13 Meeting


Don't forget Monday April 15th is Patriots Day and all town offices are closed.

Templeton's Jonathon Miganowicz running the Boston Marathon

As every one knows things have been more than tense around here, so it was a pleasant surprise when Bart came into the house with the Worcester Telegram this morning. Jonathan Miganowicz , my sister Donna's boy made the front page. Tomorrow he will run another Boston Marathon, heart break hill and all. I am more than thrilled to go and cheer him on one more time. This means we have to be at Wilson's Bus at 5:a.m., to go with his team to the start of the race, to get back on the bus to be at the finish, to cheer him over the line. For us it is a easy task, not for him though. The first time he ran, he was in the dead last bunch to cross the starting line. That meant he had thousands of slow people in front of him, and he had to get past these people, between the start and the finish line.

Question of the day

I took this from a comment,
Let's not forget that Virginia said she wrote the citizens petition for the sewer line bylaw change. Would she have done this petition if it wasn't one of her friends? Would she have done this petition if it was say - Pauly or you or I who was having sewer line problems? Would the people who all signed the petition still sign it?

your thoughts... Thanks Pauly

TML&W owned by the people

“Coming soon to Templeton’s LIGHT“

SELF SERVING FOR TMLWP ONLY

You won’t get to vote on this stuff either. Is it your business?

YES

“IT IS OUR BUSINESS”

here is link to the letter

Dave Smart

thought this comment should be posted as a blog

After meeting the candidates, I feel as if I could approach Mr. Robinson, Mr. Morrison, and Mr. Cosentino with any individual issues I was concerned about like roads problems, McLean property concerns, Michaels Lane concerns, etc. I did not, however, get that same feeling from Mr. Skelton. He did not come off as a friendly or approachable man. To me, a good selectman is someone that makes themselves available to the average Joe and treats their concerns with importance, no matter how small it is. I also do not care for Mr. Skelton's use of the term "girls" when speaking of administrative assistants working for the town. There are no children working for the town, so why use that term? Its demeaning, degrading, disrespectful. And, as a woman, I feel as if I went to him with a concern he would simply treat me as a "girl" and not his equal. I also learned he has had harassment complaints filed against him for his treatment of women when he was a selectman in the past. Did he learn to change his behavior since these incidents? Has he undergone any counseling or attended any workplace conduct courses? I just don't see how a polarizing personality that is going to put town employees on edge is going to benefit the town at this crucial time. I will be voting for new people to fill the two selectman seats this election. This town needs new perspective on old issues in order to evolve.

David Smart Candidate for L&W Commission

Hi; My Name is David Smart

  Welcome to candidates night, I wish to hopefully earn your vote and express my purpose for running for the commissioner position. You may have heard I would like to replace all the commissioners and the commission itself. I tried, but I couldn’t do it by myself. Most people felt The Select board we now have were not up to the task and not trusted enough to handle the extra devotion needed. People told me if you want to change the commissioners “that’s another thing”. This is my plan “b”. I’ve lived in East Templeton for all my adult life and have attended Narragansett/Monty tech/ and The Enterprise Center For business. In 37 years Judy and I have raised 4 children and also have 8 grandchildren. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Together we have dealt with many hardships.

Enough Said…DOR Report

It has become abundantly clear that we are fortunate, as a community, to have three good candidates running  for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. The candidate night at the Legion was very well attended and very well run. The format was alphabetical – the candidates for Assessor spoke first; candidate for Sewer Commission spoke last. The attorney who moderated the event  did a good job; I didn’t catch his name. Thank you to those involved with organizing this event.

There are three good, qualified candidates for BOS. In my opinion, selectmen candidates Cosentino, Morrison and Robertson possess the skills and the attitudes to bring our community together; to help our town heal after years of discord.

And then there is ENOUGH. Some questions for ENOUGH:

school override

Here's is the link to information about the school override that will be on the ballot April 30th. as Mrs. Trifilo stated at candidates night - the school budget committee has chopped as much as they can. Please take the time to go to this link and read the information provided. Our children are our future.

Shedding Some Light…April 9, 2013

TMLWP Meeting 

Water department

Old Business –

FY 14 Water Capital improvements & Rate Study estimates.

After discussion, the contract to perform the rate study for the water department was awarded to Tighe & Bond. The time- table is 4-6 weeks to complete the rate study. While water sales have increased from 94 million gallons to 96 million gallons (an increase of $12,000 in revenue), there is a projected budget deficit of $60,000 in this fiscal year for the water department.

Candidates Night at the School

I attended the candidate night at Narragansett Regional High School tonight. It was an excellent student sponsored event. The seniors put together the following questions which each candidate responded to.

What is your occupation?

What inspired you to get into local politics?

Do you have any prior political experience?

As a town leader what would you focus your energies on most?

What 1 characteristic do you think is most valuable for a school district?

What 1 feature do you believe to be the most detrimental to an education system?

If elected, what will you do to address the concerns of the school community?

Do you favor the school override, why or why not?

April 8, 2013 BOS Meeting…the movie

Part 1 of the April 8, 2013 BOS Meeting

Part 2 of the April 8, 2013 BOS Meeting

Part 3 of the April 8, 2013 BOS Meeting

Enjoy!

Julie Farrell

and more

4/10/2013 6:45:00 AM Templeton hopefuls focus on town's finances Candidates for local office set to appear at Thursday forum in Baldwinville

Kerry O'Brien News Staff Writer TEMPLETON — In light of concerns over issues facing the town, a group of residents are hosting a new candidates’ night Thursday at the Baldwinville American Legion with the hope of focusing more attention on civic affairs ahead of this year’s election. “We’re a group of citizens that are concerned about the future of Templeton,” said Bob Columbus, one of the event’s organizers. The four candidates for two available seats on the Board of Selectmen — Kenn Robinson, Paul Cosentino, Gerald Skelton and Doug Morrison — have similarly expressed concern about the state of town affairs, particularly in terms of finances.

TGN 4/10/2013

4/10/2013 7:38:00 AM This citizen wants to decide what to do with own money To the Editor: 4/10/2013

Robert C. Mitchell Templeton To the Editor: I would like to take the opportunity you so generously offer on your op-ed page to express myself, and to offer my viewpoints on recent topics regarding Templeton. First would be an old article regarding the last special town meeting vote to have the Board of Selectmen take over the duties of the Light and Water commissioners. At this meeting, it was quite obvious the article would not pass, so I voted for the BOS instead of the L&W to make sure they knew they did not have my vote of confidence.