The following offers assorted information regarding energy issues:
http://www.boston.com/news/specials/climate_change/
BioEnergy Facility Opens in Massachusetts
Norwell, Massachusetts [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
BioEnergy International, LLC, a science and technology leader in the development of biorefineries that produce biofuels and specialty chemicals from renewable resources, announced the launch of a research center in Woburn, Massachusetts.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50348
Rising CO2:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=apGVMyvFvMfY&refer=australia
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-7016827,00.html
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jLQSBHqlmEJje6Ct0DXXLtwhaQvg
Mazda prepares for hydrogen society:
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/23996
Cape Wind:
http://www.capewind.org/index.php
https://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/energy
Not an environment scare story :
http://environment.independent.co.uk/climate_change/article3098852.ece
Leading Australian Scientist Tim Flannery on Global Warming and theWorsening Dangers of Climate Change Denial:
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/10/25/1454240
League of Conservation Voters:
http://www.lcv.org/president-and-congress/issues/clean-energy-solutions.html
MassPirg:
http://www.masspirg.org/
Berkeley's Solar Plans:
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/10/26/65422/560/?source=daily
http://www.dailycal.org/sharticle.php?id=26598
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/10/26/MNAIT0DQO.DTL&type=printable
http://www.theclimateproject.org/solutions.php
Hingham Solar Array:
http://www.massbudget.org/
Wikipedia: Wave ppower information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_power
Wikipedia: Hydrogen Economy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_power
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Major Issues Overlooked in Casino Debate
Lost in the debates of failed policies of casino revenues and the lacking leadership of Middleboro, are truly important issues.
When Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Prize, scientists acknowledged that they were wrong, grievously wrong! Their grievous error was under-stating global warming, its impacts, and the planet's current condition. Their predictions were grossly understated.
Offline, a number have commented on my neglect of this issue. To correct that neglect, I'll offer an assortment of widely available information and websites. Some offer subscriptions to which you can subscribe.
That you have failed to hear public discussion from the BOS or the G&E defines their lack of future planning.
455 PPM And Counting...
By John Blair
12 October, 2007Dissident Voice
Recent reports from Australia saying that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) final Assessment due out Nov. 7 will show that we have already eclipsed the CO2 concentration of 450 PPM CO2, that we had previously hoped to remain under. The report will show that we have played the waiting game for too long. It will show that the politicians introducing mediocre measures for hopeful mitigation that will take decades to accomplish is simply too little too late.
The time has come to take the gloves off in the way we treat the politicians and people who continue to acquiesce to the industries and those responsible for staying this apparently do nothing course.
Sure it is important to reduce our emissions of CO2 by at least 80% by 2050 but reaching that goal some 42 years from today will leave us in a huge quandary as a species unless we begin to make substantial headway in those reductions immediately.
From my perspective that means:
1. We must universally call for a moratorium on all new coal plants, whether they claim to be Capture and Sequestration ready or not. The only exception might be the FutureGen facility which is the taxpayer funded project designed to demonstrate the veracity of their claim of zero emissions. All other coal proposals should be universally opposed if we are going to make any headway in this most serious issue. It is certain that no new coal plants should be built unless they are not only equipped but can capture 100% of their carbon emissions and store them permanently.
2. Existing coal plants should be completely phased out over the next twenty years, beginning with the oldest first, while allowing research on ways to capture the carbon emissions from those newer plants. Once, we have proven that pulverized coal can be adapted for carbon capture, then we must use the demonstrated technology to sequester it that is proven by FutureGen to immediately capture and store the carbon from those plants. If it is not economical or physically practical to do that, then those plants should also be taken out of service, perhaps mothballed until the economics or the technology allows then to return to service without emitting carbon.
3. We must undertake a massive program to educate people of the seriousness of the climate change issue and the importance of their personal commitment to conserving energy and reducing their personal carbon footprint. We need to change the paradigm that conservation is some relic from 1975 or World War 2 and that the only way that we can maintain even a semblance of our current wasteful lifestyles will be to eliminate wasteful consumption and attitudes universally throughout the world.
4. We must demand increased production and end-use energy efficiency, pushing congress to pass mandatory efficiency standards that are significantly higher than those in place today. While the market should probably force the necessary changes, once we have accomplished #3, it will probably require some sort of government backed “incentives” to encourage development of new technologies that will supplant existing wasteful living.
5. As people who are demanding a better way, we, the environmental movement, should set a major example for the rest of the world and declare that we will not have a single new conference on global warming that does not incorporate video conferencing so that we do not have to travel long distances to discuss how others should cut back on their carbon emissions. The first video conference I attended was in 1991. It worked then and is significantly better now. We could all equip our own personal work stations with the hardware and software necessary to permit this sort of advance in our mission. Tell me why twenty or two hundred people should hop on airplanes and travel to some distant city to discuss the seriousness of any problem when we can do the same function electronically?
To accomplish the partial solutions I have outlined, my group, Valley Watch offers the following two campaigns for your perusal and use.
CONSERVATION IS COOL!
There is something wrong when the slightest mention of the word conservation brings admonishment from environmental leaders just because some uninformed focus group thought that conservation conjured up images of jimmy Carter sitting by the fireplace in his cardigan sweater asking us to personally sacrifice to save energy. Frankly, I wish we had a leader like that today who would tell the truth even though it might hurt him/her politically.
By changing the paradigm to Conservation is Cool! and getting all those celebrities who pledge to help us win this battle to join in, we can make a certain level of personal sacrifice seem not only like a duty but also a blessing. Once people begin thinking about ways to Conserve, then a whole new generation will understand that waste is no longer an option.
Such a paradigm shift could yield huge economic opportunity with its decentralized production and consumption of goods and services. We may even find that such an “ethic” actually yields reduced reliance on fossil fuels and thus might even promote peace as well as prosperity. Wouldn’t that be a huge dividend?
20X10
To prod people toward a more Conservative path of consumption and to eliminate waste, Valley Watch has initiated a program where we solicit personal commitments from people to cut their personal energy use by 20% by the year 2010.
If you think that is too lofty a goal, my experience say that it is not. For years, I have made the easy efforts to Conserve electricity and gas for home heating. I thought I was doing pretty well until I started telling whoever would listen that they should cut their own consumption of energy if they wanted to have a decent world for their grand kids.
Hoping not to be perceived as a hypocrite, I made my own commitment to reducing my energy consumption by 20X10. Guess what, it did not take anywhere near three years. I was able to do that much by simply consolidating trips, replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps and by using my head, looking for additional ways to conserve. Turn out the lights, Stupid!
My energy consumption at home has been reduced between 25 and 30% in 2007 over 2006. My lifestyle has only changed in the fact that I wear sweaters and jackets in the winter and use less air conditioning in the summer. Actually, my family has not used our air conditioner for the last five summers, but that is another story.
Frankly, there has been NO sacrifice involved in this effort. Now, I am trying to afford an EnergyStar refrigerator which could put me over the 30% mark when I do.
My point is this, since we have already passed the threshold we hoped to hold greenhouse gas concentrations to by 2050, it is time for serious action. It is time for serious policy and it is time for a level of personal commitment from all of earth’s human population to reduce their use of fossil fuels.
We’ve already gone past the tipping point, now it is a matter of the survival of our species and all the others that share on this earth. If we cannot make those personal choices to protect ourselves and our progeny, we certainly do not deserve the mantel of dominion over this earth and we will likely perish from it as a result.
Sometimes such choices are hard but I would rather give myself a choice because doing so at least gives our kids a chance.
John Blair is a longtime environmental health advocate who serves as president of Valley Watch in Evansville, IN. He is also a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and freelance writer.
When Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Prize, scientists acknowledged that they were wrong, grievously wrong! Their grievous error was under-stating global warming, its impacts, and the planet's current condition. Their predictions were grossly understated.
Offline, a number have commented on my neglect of this issue. To correct that neglect, I'll offer an assortment of widely available information and websites. Some offer subscriptions to which you can subscribe.
That you have failed to hear public discussion from the BOS or the G&E defines their lack of future planning.
455 PPM And Counting...
By John Blair
12 October, 2007Dissident Voice
Recent reports from Australia saying that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) final Assessment due out Nov. 7 will show that we have already eclipsed the CO2 concentration of 450 PPM CO2, that we had previously hoped to remain under. The report will show that we have played the waiting game for too long. It will show that the politicians introducing mediocre measures for hopeful mitigation that will take decades to accomplish is simply too little too late.
The time has come to take the gloves off in the way we treat the politicians and people who continue to acquiesce to the industries and those responsible for staying this apparently do nothing course.
Sure it is important to reduce our emissions of CO2 by at least 80% by 2050 but reaching that goal some 42 years from today will leave us in a huge quandary as a species unless we begin to make substantial headway in those reductions immediately.
From my perspective that means:
1. We must universally call for a moratorium on all new coal plants, whether they claim to be Capture and Sequestration ready or not. The only exception might be the FutureGen facility which is the taxpayer funded project designed to demonstrate the veracity of their claim of zero emissions. All other coal proposals should be universally opposed if we are going to make any headway in this most serious issue. It is certain that no new coal plants should be built unless they are not only equipped but can capture 100% of their carbon emissions and store them permanently.
2. Existing coal plants should be completely phased out over the next twenty years, beginning with the oldest first, while allowing research on ways to capture the carbon emissions from those newer plants. Once, we have proven that pulverized coal can be adapted for carbon capture, then we must use the demonstrated technology to sequester it that is proven by FutureGen to immediately capture and store the carbon from those plants. If it is not economical or physically practical to do that, then those plants should also be taken out of service, perhaps mothballed until the economics or the technology allows then to return to service without emitting carbon.
3. We must undertake a massive program to educate people of the seriousness of the climate change issue and the importance of their personal commitment to conserving energy and reducing their personal carbon footprint. We need to change the paradigm that conservation is some relic from 1975 or World War 2 and that the only way that we can maintain even a semblance of our current wasteful lifestyles will be to eliminate wasteful consumption and attitudes universally throughout the world.
4. We must demand increased production and end-use energy efficiency, pushing congress to pass mandatory efficiency standards that are significantly higher than those in place today. While the market should probably force the necessary changes, once we have accomplished #3, it will probably require some sort of government backed “incentives” to encourage development of new technologies that will supplant existing wasteful living.
5. As people who are demanding a better way, we, the environmental movement, should set a major example for the rest of the world and declare that we will not have a single new conference on global warming that does not incorporate video conferencing so that we do not have to travel long distances to discuss how others should cut back on their carbon emissions. The first video conference I attended was in 1991. It worked then and is significantly better now. We could all equip our own personal work stations with the hardware and software necessary to permit this sort of advance in our mission. Tell me why twenty or two hundred people should hop on airplanes and travel to some distant city to discuss the seriousness of any problem when we can do the same function electronically?
To accomplish the partial solutions I have outlined, my group, Valley Watch offers the following two campaigns for your perusal and use.
CONSERVATION IS COOL!
There is something wrong when the slightest mention of the word conservation brings admonishment from environmental leaders just because some uninformed focus group thought that conservation conjured up images of jimmy Carter sitting by the fireplace in his cardigan sweater asking us to personally sacrifice to save energy. Frankly, I wish we had a leader like that today who would tell the truth even though it might hurt him/her politically.
By changing the paradigm to Conservation is Cool! and getting all those celebrities who pledge to help us win this battle to join in, we can make a certain level of personal sacrifice seem not only like a duty but also a blessing. Once people begin thinking about ways to Conserve, then a whole new generation will understand that waste is no longer an option.
Such a paradigm shift could yield huge economic opportunity with its decentralized production and consumption of goods and services. We may even find that such an “ethic” actually yields reduced reliance on fossil fuels and thus might even promote peace as well as prosperity. Wouldn’t that be a huge dividend?
20X10
To prod people toward a more Conservative path of consumption and to eliminate waste, Valley Watch has initiated a program where we solicit personal commitments from people to cut their personal energy use by 20% by the year 2010.
If you think that is too lofty a goal, my experience say that it is not. For years, I have made the easy efforts to Conserve electricity and gas for home heating. I thought I was doing pretty well until I started telling whoever would listen that they should cut their own consumption of energy if they wanted to have a decent world for their grand kids.
Hoping not to be perceived as a hypocrite, I made my own commitment to reducing my energy consumption by 20X10. Guess what, it did not take anywhere near three years. I was able to do that much by simply consolidating trips, replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps and by using my head, looking for additional ways to conserve. Turn out the lights, Stupid!
My energy consumption at home has been reduced between 25 and 30% in 2007 over 2006. My lifestyle has only changed in the fact that I wear sweaters and jackets in the winter and use less air conditioning in the summer. Actually, my family has not used our air conditioner for the last five summers, but that is another story.
Frankly, there has been NO sacrifice involved in this effort. Now, I am trying to afford an EnergyStar refrigerator which could put me over the 30% mark when I do.
My point is this, since we have already passed the threshold we hoped to hold greenhouse gas concentrations to by 2050, it is time for serious action. It is time for serious policy and it is time for a level of personal commitment from all of earth’s human population to reduce their use of fossil fuels.
We’ve already gone past the tipping point, now it is a matter of the survival of our species and all the others that share on this earth. If we cannot make those personal choices to protect ourselves and our progeny, we certainly do not deserve the mantel of dominion over this earth and we will likely perish from it as a result.
Sometimes such choices are hard but I would rather give myself a choice because doing so at least gives our kids a chance.
John Blair is a longtime environmental health advocate who serves as president of Valley Watch in Evansville, IN. He is also a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and freelance writer.
Information Resources
The willingness of some to accept the soundbytes that Middleboro is in the same fiscal situation as ALL other cities and towns, without some investigation, is troubling.
For those interested in other sources, the following offer information:
http://davideisenthal.typepad.com/the_eisenthal_report/2007/10/are-massachuset.html
The question remains what is to do be about those communities that are on the fiscal edge. To some extent, these are local problems that must be solved locally. Some local governments may need to improve their credibility with their voters so that they can obtain overrides of Proposition 2 1/2. Such credibility enhancers might include adopting Section 18 of Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts General Laws, which requires retirees to enroll in Medicare. Another might be negotiating higher employee contributions to medical insurance plans. A number of communities have already taken one or both steps.
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center
http://www.massbudget.org/
(MBPC offers email subscriptions)
Massachusetts Municipal Association
http://www.mma.org/
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation:
http://www.masstaxpayers.org/
For those interested in other sources, the following offer information:
http://davideisenthal.typepad.com/the_eisenthal_report/2007/10/are-massachuset.html
The question remains what is to do be about those communities that are on the fiscal edge. To some extent, these are local problems that must be solved locally. Some local governments may need to improve their credibility with their voters so that they can obtain overrides of Proposition 2 1/2. Such credibility enhancers might include adopting Section 18 of Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts General Laws, which requires retirees to enroll in Medicare. Another might be negotiating higher employee contributions to medical insurance plans. A number of communities have already taken one or both steps.
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center
http://www.massbudget.org/
(MBPC offers email subscriptions)
Massachusetts Municipal Association
http://www.mma.org/
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation:
http://www.masstaxpayers.org/
Middleboro Considers Quarterly Tax Bills in 2003
Resistance to change is a given, but how many more years will be required and how many more 'experts' are required to drag Middleboro into the 20th Century, never mind the 21st Century?
Can't you just hear cries of: But Maude, we've done it this way for 100 years ..... ?
After the 10/29 Selectmen's STM Meeting Hearing, who's the biggest impediment to quarterly billing? Is it the Assessors' Department?
Didn't the Middleboro Town Treasurer indicate during the BOS hearing regarding the DOR Report (Dept. of Revenue) that quarterly tax bills would net the Town $50,000 per month in interest income?
The hastily conceived 11/5 STM (Special Town Meeting Warrant) omitted MANY items that should have/might have been included because of the Management by Panic policy endorsed by the current Board. Should Quarterly Tax Billing have been included?
Remember when Ross Perot commented that pretty soon you're talking about real money?
SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
MAY 12, 2003
Quarterly Tax Payments
Sandy Bernier and Judy MacDonald were present.
Chairman Perkins explained that he had asked the Treasurer/Collector if it would save any money to have quarterly tax billings instead of semi.
Ms. MacDonald had explained that this would not benefit Middleborough because there is a cash flow from the Gas & Electric Department, and therefore no need to borrow. She said if interest rates increased it might be worth it. She also noted the increase in workloads to do quarterly billing, as well as postage.
Selectman Rogers asked about direct deposit and bi-weekly pay. Ms. MacDonald said this bi-weekly would only save about $8000 in time and personnel. She noted that any changes would not be done "overnight". Deductions would have to be recalculated.
Discussion ensued on whether or not the Unions would have to be given notice. Ms. MacDonald felt this would be negotiable, as it would be a change in conditions.
Ms. MacDonald said that more than ½ of all employees have direct deposit.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/May%20Minutes/May%202003/May%2012,%202003.htm
Can't you just hear cries of: But Maude, we've done it this way for 100 years ..... ?
After the 10/29 Selectmen's STM Meeting Hearing, who's the biggest impediment to quarterly billing? Is it the Assessors' Department?
Didn't the Middleboro Town Treasurer indicate during the BOS hearing regarding the DOR Report (Dept. of Revenue) that quarterly tax bills would net the Town $50,000 per month in interest income?
The hastily conceived 11/5 STM (Special Town Meeting Warrant) omitted MANY items that should have/might have been included because of the Management by Panic policy endorsed by the current Board. Should Quarterly Tax Billing have been included?
Remember when Ross Perot commented that pretty soon you're talking about real money?
SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
MAY 12, 2003
Quarterly Tax Payments
Sandy Bernier and Judy MacDonald were present.
Chairman Perkins explained that he had asked the Treasurer/Collector if it would save any money to have quarterly tax billings instead of semi.
Ms. MacDonald had explained that this would not benefit Middleborough because there is a cash flow from the Gas & Electric Department, and therefore no need to borrow. She said if interest rates increased it might be worth it. She also noted the increase in workloads to do quarterly billing, as well as postage.
Selectman Rogers asked about direct deposit and bi-weekly pay. Ms. MacDonald said this bi-weekly would only save about $8000 in time and personnel. She noted that any changes would not be done "overnight". Deductions would have to be recalculated.
Discussion ensued on whether or not the Unions would have to be given notice. Ms. MacDonald felt this would be negotiable, as it would be a change in conditions.
Ms. MacDonald said that more than ½ of all employees have direct deposit.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/May%20Minutes/May%202003/May%2012,%202003.htm
Plymouth County Sheriff's Department
Although we'll forego the question of 'wasn't it Sheriff McDonough?' the feasibility of the site for wind energy is worth note!
Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Renewable Energy Project:In October of 2005 the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department staff was directed by Sheriff McDonald to conduct a feasibility study on utilizing renewable energy at the Plymouth County Correctional facility in an effort to reduce energy costs at the facility.
http://www.pcsdma.org/wind_energy_project.htm
Is anyone else in the area or within Middleboro Town Government doing the same? Solar on schools maybe?
Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Renewable Energy Project:In October of 2005 the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department staff was directed by Sheriff McDonald to conduct a feasibility study on utilizing renewable energy at the Plymouth County Correctional facility in an effort to reduce energy costs at the facility.
http://www.pcsdma.org/wind_energy_project.htm
Is anyone else in the area or within Middleboro Town Government doing the same? Solar on schools maybe?
Talk Fast & 'They' Won't Notice
Because the STM for Nov. 5th was so hastily called in PANIC MODE, not on the BOS Agenda, the Warrant opened and closed so quickly, much was omitted and tossed into the CATCH ALL Article 1.
The IT Director stated on July 30, the total costs for the 7/28 STM were $74,450. No enumeration.
When questions arose at the STM Hearing 10/29, the IT Director indicated that the total costs were $98,709.48. (But in the fast-talking explanation, it became clear that the +$12K whatever that the Town Clerk expended was also not included because the $40K from the FinCom was used for that. So in other words, the $98K is still not a complete figure.)
Because of the haste of the process, Article 6, totalling $42,464.42, omits some of the costs.
(And lacking in the discussion was an explanation of the $715.99 for 'misc. Supplies.')
When a question was asked and the IT Director rose to address it, Chairwoman Brunelle told him to address that question QUICKLY. Why QUICKLY? Isn't the purpose of a public hearing to ask and answer questions?
Although Chairwoman Brunelle indicated that the total figures were not known when the Warrant was hastily constructed, the memo from the Police Chief is dated SEPTEMBER.
And Selectman Perkins, rather than ensuring that the accounting question was clearly answered, indicated that he hoped someone could answer the questions on Town Meeting floor. Huh? So he's willing to submit expenditures for which he lacks an adequate accounting?
Is there a problem answering the questions asked in a public hearing accurately and completely?
Of note in Mr. Brunelle's hasty explanation is:
The Peirce Trustees paid $33,000 for the tents. Was that to avoid 30B Procurement reguirments (http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-30b-toc.htm) ?
$2100 was paid from the Cable Account for the audio system.
Again, simple math:
$98,709.48
-33,000 Peirce Trustees
-2100 Cable Account
-42,464.42 Article 6
=$21,145.06 And this is where?
Toward the end of the BOS Meeting, Chairwoman Brunelle commented that during the Recall process accusations of lack of transparency had been made. Is this transparent and clearly explained?
The IT Director stated on July 30, the total costs for the 7/28 STM were $74,450. No enumeration.
When questions arose at the STM Hearing 10/29, the IT Director indicated that the total costs were $98,709.48. (But in the fast-talking explanation, it became clear that the +$12K whatever that the Town Clerk expended was also not included because the $40K from the FinCom was used for that. So in other words, the $98K is still not a complete figure.)
Because of the haste of the process, Article 6, totalling $42,464.42, omits some of the costs.
(And lacking in the discussion was an explanation of the $715.99 for 'misc. Supplies.')
When a question was asked and the IT Director rose to address it, Chairwoman Brunelle told him to address that question QUICKLY. Why QUICKLY? Isn't the purpose of a public hearing to ask and answer questions?
Although Chairwoman Brunelle indicated that the total figures were not known when the Warrant was hastily constructed, the memo from the Police Chief is dated SEPTEMBER.
And Selectman Perkins, rather than ensuring that the accounting question was clearly answered, indicated that he hoped someone could answer the questions on Town Meeting floor. Huh? So he's willing to submit expenditures for which he lacks an adequate accounting?
Is there a problem answering the questions asked in a public hearing accurately and completely?
Of note in Mr. Brunelle's hasty explanation is:
The Peirce Trustees paid $33,000 for the tents. Was that to avoid 30B Procurement reguirments (http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-30b-toc.htm) ?
$2100 was paid from the Cable Account for the audio system.
Again, simple math:
$98,709.48
-33,000 Peirce Trustees
-2100 Cable Account
-42,464.42 Article 6
=$21,145.06 And this is where?
Toward the end of the BOS Meeting, Chairwoman Brunelle commented that during the Recall process accusations of lack of transparency had been made. Is this transparent and clearly explained?
Monday, October 29, 2007
Information Technology
Changes in the Information Technology Department were discussed by the Middleboro BOS in April 2007. Those changes, which bear cost savings and efficiency improvements remain ignored.
The Department of Revenue report to which Selectman Perkins referred addressed the IT Dept., but those changes remain ignored as well.
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 23, 2007
IT Department – G&E
Selectman Spataro said that 2 weeks ago the Board had talked of the IT Department and the G&E. He said he checked with a former G&E Commissioner about supporting the Town by taking on IT services. He asked if there was any interest in doing this.
Chairwoman Brunelle said billing had specifically been mentioned. She said the G&E outsources their billing.
Upon motion by Selectman Spataro and seconded by Selectman Rogers, the Board
VOTED: To ask the G&E Department if they would be willing to consider taking on all, or a portion, of the Town’s IT operations.
VOTE 3 – 1 – 1 (Selectman Perkins opposed. Chairwoman Brunelle abstained)
Selectman Perkins said he didn’t vote in favor, not because he was opposed, but because the State has been asked to make recommendations. He thought the motion was premature.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/April%20Minutes/April%202007/April%2023,%202007.mht
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 17, 2007
Selectman Rogers said the IT Department has also grown. The new “lock box technique” eliminates the department having to process bills. He suggested getting rid of the 2 administrative positions, leaving the Director. He said there are currently IT Departments for General Government, Schools, Police, and G&E. He said the entities should get together, but have the IT Department take the physical care of the system.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/April%20Minutes/April%202007/April%2017,%202007.mht
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 11, 2007
Selectman Rogers said the IT Department is the “biggest abuser”. He suggested asking the G&E to do the billing for the utilities for the Town. He said there are three (3) IT Departments in town: General Government, Schools, and G&E. He said all should be run by 1 person.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/April%20Minutes/April%202007/April%2011,%202007.mht
The Department of Revenue report to which Selectman Perkins referred addressed the IT Dept., but those changes remain ignored as well.
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 23, 2007
IT Department – G&E
Selectman Spataro said that 2 weeks ago the Board had talked of the IT Department and the G&E. He said he checked with a former G&E Commissioner about supporting the Town by taking on IT services. He asked if there was any interest in doing this.
Chairwoman Brunelle said billing had specifically been mentioned. She said the G&E outsources their billing.
Upon motion by Selectman Spataro and seconded by Selectman Rogers, the Board
VOTED: To ask the G&E Department if they would be willing to consider taking on all, or a portion, of the Town’s IT operations.
VOTE 3 – 1 – 1 (Selectman Perkins opposed. Chairwoman Brunelle abstained)
Selectman Perkins said he didn’t vote in favor, not because he was opposed, but because the State has been asked to make recommendations. He thought the motion was premature.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/April%20Minutes/April%202007/April%2023,%202007.mht
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 17, 2007
Selectman Rogers said the IT Department has also grown. The new “lock box technique” eliminates the department having to process bills. He suggested getting rid of the 2 administrative positions, leaving the Director. He said there are currently IT Departments for General Government, Schools, Police, and G&E. He said the entities should get together, but have the IT Department take the physical care of the system.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/April%20Minutes/April%202007/April%2017,%202007.mht
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 11, 2007
Selectman Rogers said the IT Department is the “biggest abuser”. He suggested asking the G&E to do the billing for the utilities for the Town. He said there are three (3) IT Departments in town: General Government, Schools, and G&E. He said all should be run by 1 person.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/April%20Minutes/April%202007/April%2011,%202007.mht
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Middleboro Hiring Freeze
In April 2007, the BOS refused to replace the Administrative Assistant in the Fire Department, even with the reduced hours.
After the Fire Chief's retirement, the BOS filled the position with a full time employee based on a future town-owned ambulance service.
Although the BOS keep saying that there is a HIRING FREEZE, they keep hiring new employees.
Does this need to be clarified?
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 17, 2007
Letter of Resignation – Administrative Assistant to Fire Chief
The Board received correspondence from the Fire Chief’s Administrative Assistant, Cynthia Bourque, saying her last day will be Friday, April 27, 2007. The Fire Chief is requesting to post the position with reduced hours from 36 ¼ to 24.
Upon motion by Selectman Perkins and seconded by Selectman Bond, the Board
VOTED: To ask the Fire Chief to hold on posting the position, reminding that there is a hiring freeze and the Board’s authorization is needed to fill the position.
Unanimous Vote.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/April%20Minutes/April%202007/April%2017,%202007.mht
After the Fire Chief's retirement, the BOS filled the position with a full time employee based on a future town-owned ambulance service.
Although the BOS keep saying that there is a HIRING FREEZE, they keep hiring new employees.
Does this need to be clarified?
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 17, 2007
Letter of Resignation – Administrative Assistant to Fire Chief
The Board received correspondence from the Fire Chief’s Administrative Assistant, Cynthia Bourque, saying her last day will be Friday, April 27, 2007. The Fire Chief is requesting to post the position with reduced hours from 36 ¼ to 24.
Upon motion by Selectman Perkins and seconded by Selectman Bond, the Board
VOTED: To ask the Fire Chief to hold on posting the position, reminding that there is a hiring freeze and the Board’s authorization is needed to fill the position.
Unanimous Vote.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/April%20Minutes/April%202007/April%2017,%202007.mht
The KoolAid Formula of Town Fiscal Planning
Part of the KoolAid formula includes accepting that the Town of Middleboro needs either a debt-exclusion or an override, as well as new revenue sources.
When the numerous proponents present their dubious arguments, economies are conspicuously omitted. No where is it mentioned that the Town needs to live within its budget.
The Annual Town Report includes a statement from the Finance Committee on page 182-183 that includes the following:
Fiscal year 2004 from 2003: Increase of 2.6%
Fiscal year 2005 from 2004: Increase of 7.5%
Fiscal year 2006 from 2005: Increase of 10.4%
The Annual Town Report is posted in pdf format on the Town's Web Site for those seeking to inform themselves.
The above increases are unsustainable.
How much of the percentage increases can be attributed to excessive pay increases, in excess of what private industry offers?
Recently, a contractual town employee was hired with a 20% pay raise and a 4 day work week. That reduction in work hours seems to be a 20% reduction. Isn't that a 40% increase?
How much can be attributed to our failure, as voters to question expenses?
In July 2007, a lawsuit (begun in 2003) was lost by the Town of Middleboro that had been appealed to the SJC. Did anyone question what the legal fees cost the Town?
How much more don't you know about?
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 2, 2003
Upon motion by Selectman Eayrs and seconded by Selectwoman Brunelle, the Board VOTED: To authorize payment of the bill submitted by Daley & Witten, LLC in the amount of $2,581.25.
Unanimous Vote.
This bill is in connection with the Rocky Gutter 40B litigation. The Board asked that Town Counsel provide a report of what has been paid up to date.
Enterprise:
Cusson ... said the town took just a few months to wrap up a multi-million deal for a casino, but years to resolve a 10 lot project. “Something's not right, towns just don't like 40B.”
“It feels good to win,” Cusson said, but he said the town kept appealing on every single level, “it was not a good use of the town's resources.” Enterprise
"Jane Lopes"
Jessie,Yes, this WAS temporarily lost amidst the casino frenzy - but you'll find that most of the legal fees were paid by the citizens' group that asked the town to fight the 40B, and also asked the town to appeal the initial decision.Jane
At 11:02 PM 8/3/2007, you wrote:Amidst the casino frenzy, this article was overlooked.Are you asking the BOS what this cost the town in legal fees?This case was a looser that Attorney Witten appealed.Is anyone asking who authorized the appeal?Does Attorney Witten view the Hayseeds as a 'CashCow'? Is anyone wondering why this wasn't included in the Gazette?
When the numerous proponents present their dubious arguments, economies are conspicuously omitted. No where is it mentioned that the Town needs to live within its budget.
The Annual Town Report includes a statement from the Finance Committee on page 182-183 that includes the following:
Fiscal year 2004 from 2003: Increase of 2.6%
Fiscal year 2005 from 2004: Increase of 7.5%
Fiscal year 2006 from 2005: Increase of 10.4%
The Annual Town Report is posted in pdf format on the Town's Web Site for those seeking to inform themselves.
The above increases are unsustainable.
How much of the percentage increases can be attributed to excessive pay increases, in excess of what private industry offers?
Recently, a contractual town employee was hired with a 20% pay raise and a 4 day work week. That reduction in work hours seems to be a 20% reduction. Isn't that a 40% increase?
How much can be attributed to our failure, as voters to question expenses?
In July 2007, a lawsuit (begun in 2003) was lost by the Town of Middleboro that had been appealed to the SJC. Did anyone question what the legal fees cost the Town?
How much more don't you know about?
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 2, 2003
Upon motion by Selectman Eayrs and seconded by Selectwoman Brunelle, the Board VOTED: To authorize payment of the bill submitted by Daley & Witten, LLC in the amount of $2,581.25.
Unanimous Vote.
This bill is in connection with the Rocky Gutter 40B litigation. The Board asked that Town Counsel provide a report of what has been paid up to date.
Enterprise:
Cusson ... said the town took just a few months to wrap up a multi-million deal for a casino, but years to resolve a 10 lot project. “Something's not right, towns just don't like 40B.”
“It feels good to win,” Cusson said, but he said the town kept appealing on every single level, “it was not a good use of the town's resources.” Enterprise
"Jane Lopes"
Jessie,Yes, this WAS temporarily lost amidst the casino frenzy - but you'll find that most of the legal fees were paid by the citizens' group that asked the town to fight the 40B, and also asked the town to appeal the initial decision.Jane
At 11:02 PM 8/3/2007, you wrote:Amidst the casino frenzy, this article was overlooked.Are you asking the BOS what this cost the town in legal fees?This case was a looser that Attorney Witten appealed.Is anyone asking who authorized the appeal?Does Attorney Witten view the Hayseeds as a 'CashCow'? Is anyone wondering why this wasn't included in the Gazette?
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Mushroom Farming or Fuzzy Math?
On 7/30/07, Roger Brunelle indicated that the costs
for the 7/28/07 Special Town Meeting from Hell
were:
$74,450
Didn't the FinComm give the BOS $40,000?
So, simple math:
$74,450
-40,000
=$34,450
Article 6 of the STM Warrant for Nov. 5th
requests:
$42,464.42
That's a discrepancy of: $8,014.42.
Why?
But Cranberry Times has posted Police Department
cost of $26,797.89 dated SEPTEMBER 17, 2007.
That amount is NOT reflected on the STM Warrant.
Were those expenses held because of the Recall Election?
Are there additional costs that have not been included?
I requested the public documents regarding these expenses
and have not received them.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2007, A PUBLIC HEARING
WILL BE HELD TO DISCUSS THE STM WARRANT
ARTICLES.
PLEASE ATTEND AND ASK QUESTIONS.
for the 7/28/07 Special Town Meeting from Hell
were:
$74,450
Didn't the FinComm give the BOS $40,000?
So, simple math:
$74,450
-40,000
=$34,450
Article 6 of the STM Warrant for Nov. 5th
requests:
$42,464.42
That's a discrepancy of: $8,014.42.
Why?
But Cranberry Times has posted Police Department
cost of $26,797.89 dated SEPTEMBER 17, 2007.
That amount is NOT reflected on the STM Warrant.
Were those expenses held because of the Recall Election?
Are there additional costs that have not been included?
I requested the public documents regarding these expenses
and have not received them.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2007, A PUBLIC HEARING
WILL BE HELD TO DISCUSS THE STM WARRANT
ARTICLES.
PLEASE ATTEND AND ASK QUESTIONS.
Sudbury Democratic Town Committee opposes casinos
The Democratic Town Committee
623 Concord Road
Sudbury MA 01776-1418
27 October 2007
978-443-2959
tchollocher@verizon.net
Governor Deval Patrick
Massachusetts State House, Room 360
Boston MA 02133
Dear Governor Patrick,
At our meeting of 24 October 2007, a resolution was approved as follows:
Resolution of the Sudbury Democratic Town Committee
Against Casino Gambling
October 24, 2007
WHEREAS the platform of the Massachusetts Democratic Party
commits the party to tax equity and responsible budgeting,
special support for small businesses and agriculture, sustainable
development practices to foster economic stability for both urban
and rural cities and towns, and the provision of a sustainable
revenue source to finance state government that supports a
healthy economy; and
WHEREAS casino gambling would not promote tax equity, responsible
budgeting, sustainable development practices, or a sustainable
revenue source, and likely would damage small businesses and
agriculture in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS casino gambling would involve our state government in
condoning and encouraging behavior that has led in far too many
cases to personal financial ruin, the breakup of families,
domestic violence, and child neglect; and
WHEREAS the Governor's proposal for casinos in Massachusetts
represents a missed opportunity to advocate for a more equitable
tax system;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Sudbury Democratic Town Committee declares itself opposed to
casino gambling in Massachusetts and in favor of raising state
revenues in a more equitable manner.
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Hollocher, Secretary, SDTC.
623 Concord Road
Sudbury MA 01776-1418
27 October 2007
978-443-2959
tchollocher@verizon.net
Governor Deval Patrick
Massachusetts State House, Room 360
Boston MA 02133
Dear Governor Patrick,
At our meeting of 24 October 2007, a resolution was approved as follows:
Resolution of the Sudbury Democratic Town Committee
Against Casino Gambling
October 24, 2007
WHEREAS the platform of the Massachusetts Democratic Party
commits the party to tax equity and responsible budgeting,
special support for small businesses and agriculture, sustainable
development practices to foster economic stability for both urban
and rural cities and towns, and the provision of a sustainable
revenue source to finance state government that supports a
healthy economy; and
WHEREAS casino gambling would not promote tax equity, responsible
budgeting, sustainable development practices, or a sustainable
revenue source, and likely would damage small businesses and
agriculture in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS casino gambling would involve our state government in
condoning and encouraging behavior that has led in far too many
cases to personal financial ruin, the breakup of families,
domestic violence, and child neglect; and
WHEREAS the Governor's proposal for casinos in Massachusetts
represents a missed opportunity to advocate for a more equitable
tax system;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Sudbury Democratic Town Committee declares itself opposed to
casino gambling in Massachusetts and in favor of raising state
revenues in a more equitable manner.
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Hollocher, Secretary, SDTC.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Disclosure of Confidential Information
I addressed the issue of confidential information being given to me by the Town of Middleboro to highlight the ineptitude of the current BOS in administering acceptable policies and practices.
My narrow-minded critics sputtered and spewed, missing the point and the necessary lessons to instead attack me for receiving and distributing PUBLIC DOCUMENTS -- a personnel contract, available to the PUBLIC -- public defined as me, a voter, a citizen. A voter seeking to be informed? For shame!
The fault was that the CORI Agreement was included within the numbered pages of the personnel contract.
A google search or search of the Boston Globe reveals that TJX disclosed confidential information of perhaps 94 MILLION account holders.
To my critics, I can only suggest that you inform yourselves about the issue of disclosing confidential information:
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/10/25/details_emerge_on_tjx_breach/
Hope you're not TJX customers!
My narrow-minded critics sputtered and spewed, missing the point and the necessary lessons to instead attack me for receiving and distributing PUBLIC DOCUMENTS -- a personnel contract, available to the PUBLIC -- public defined as me, a voter, a citizen. A voter seeking to be informed? For shame!
The fault was that the CORI Agreement was included within the numbered pages of the personnel contract.
A google search or search of the Boston Globe reveals that TJX disclosed confidential information of perhaps 94 MILLION account holders.
To my critics, I can only suggest that you inform yourselves about the issue of disclosing confidential information:
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/10/25/details_emerge_on_tjx_breach/
Hope you're not TJX customers!
ADVERTISING & PUBLICITY
There are those among us who whine and complain about
poor attendance at Town Meeting, suggesting a change in
government is the solution.
Those who complain seem to have accomplished little to
publicize the event.
There is NO SIGN at the Middleboro High School of the
STM on Nov. 5th.
There is NO SIGN on the Town Hall lawn of the STM on
Nov. 5th.
The STM is little publicized. Wonder the poor attendance?
Self-fulfilling prophesy?
A small number of voters about town have taken it upon
themselves to print leaflets and distribute to their
neighbors. Inadequate, but a beginning.
Bob Dunphy began an 'on-line' newspaper to publicize
local events. It's a beginning.
Have an idea or an article? Submit it to Cranberry Times.
Let's work to fill the void created by poor coverage and
circulate information needed to make informed decisions.
poor attendance at Town Meeting, suggesting a change in
government is the solution.
Those who complain seem to have accomplished little to
publicize the event.
There is NO SIGN at the Middleboro High School of the
STM on Nov. 5th.
There is NO SIGN on the Town Hall lawn of the STM on
Nov. 5th.
The STM is little publicized. Wonder the poor attendance?
Self-fulfilling prophesy?
A small number of voters about town have taken it upon
themselves to print leaflets and distribute to their
neighbors. Inadequate, but a beginning.
Bob Dunphy began an 'on-line' newspaper to publicize
local events. It's a beginning.
Have an idea or an article? Submit it to Cranberry Times.
Let's work to fill the void created by poor coverage and
circulate information needed to make informed decisions.
Where's the plan?
Selectman Wayne Perkins repeatedly insisted prior to the Recall Election that the Middleboro BOS HAD A
Where is the PLAN? It's not on the Town's Web Site. It's never been made public.
The DOR Report criticized the BOS for depleting the piggy bank and it appears they plan to do it again!
A review of the STM Warrant indicates as much and worse.
PLAN.
Where is the PLAN? It's not on the Town's Web Site. It's never been made public.
The DOR Report criticized the BOS for depleting the piggy bank and it appears they plan to do it again!
A review of the STM Warrant indicates as much and worse.
Although there has been a HIRING FREEZE for a number of years, the BOS continue to hire new employees.
ATM (Annual Town Meeting) approved a budget. That budget included an Administrative Assistant for the Fire Department who would work 24 hours a week.
The BOS approved hiring a replacement, increasing the hours to 40 hours a week predicated on a future Town Owned Ambulance Service that may or may not be feasible or ever exist. Either way, it's years down the road.
The BOS approved the hiring of 2 new Fire Fighters/Paramedics, positions ATM cut.
The BOS will tell you about the money they saved not replacing the Fire Chief.
The BOS, with little discussion, essentially eliminated the CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT. Did you notice?
When the Conservation Commission posted an ad to replace the ConComm Agent, the BOS suddenly remembered the
HIRING FREEZE.
Now, confronted with expensive fire truck repairs, long delayed repair projects, a High School at risk of loss of accreditation, a failing school system, and much else, because of the failure of the BOS to
PLAN,
the House of Cards constructed by the failure of voters to pay attention, ask questions, participate and attend Town Meeting threatens to collapse.
A review of the STM Warrant discloses additional sick leave buybacks, yet the figures have never been calculated or accrued, the time never recorded. The IT Director recently stated that the Town wouldn't have the capacity to track that information until 10/1/07.
The recently hired Town Accountant has a comparable provision in his contract. He can accumulate up to 275 days sick leave. A salaried employee whose contract only requires a 4 day work week gets SICK PAY?
Town Employees contribute 10% toward their health insurance costs. Town Employees make a $5 co-payment to doctors. Town Employees have a Pension Plan that offers 80% of their post-retirement salary.
Those UNPAID volunteers earn 2.5% toward the Pension Plan.
The municipal contracts provide for 2 annual pay increases (inter alia): 1. LONGEVITY 2. COST OF LIVING.
If you find a list of private sector employers who offer comparable benefits, please provide that information.
Pay attention to the legal fees. ATM replenished the 'LEGAL DRAWING ACCOUNT.' Anyone recall the amount?
Anyone recall the pending lawsuits? The 2 that come quickly to mind are that of the former Town Accountant and the Veterans' Agent, but there have been others.
Prop. 2 1/2 provided a framework and limit to the budget. That the BOS refuse to plan and limit their spending, defines their continued failure. Regardless of their continued BLAME GAME, they know the limits.
They are clearly laying the foundation for a Prop. 2 1/2 Override in the Spring by their current overspending.
Oil hit $92 per barrel today. Override? Fat Chance!
When Middleboro finds itself in the same position as Bridgewater in the Spring, I reserve my right to remind you 'I TOLD YOU SO.'
I encourage you all: get out, participate, inform yourselves, understand the issues, ask the questions, attend the meetings.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I was reminded .....
I was reminded recently by a friend who also grew up in New York about the New York Fire Departments.
I grew up in a closely knit community that had an ALL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
They had a lengthy waiting list of young men wanting to join. It was a privilege and a prestigious honor to participate.
My community won many prizes in fire fighting competitions.
But they did far more than fighting fires or responding to accidents.
On Christmas Eve, a portly fire fighter, dressed as Santa, mounted the ladder truck and rode up and down the streets of the community, amidst honking horns, sirens blaring, followed by a parade of fire equipment, rescue vehicles, and family cars.
Other volunteer fire fighters, dressed in Santa suits, followed Santa's route, delivering toys to homes (pre-arranged) and delighting children.
On Easter, the same portly fire fighter donned the Easter Bunny costume and mounted the ladder truck on Easter Eve, and waved, accompanied by the cacophony of sirens and horns and equipment.
There was much else that was accomplished by those volunteers to unite a community and forge the support. They were active and involved.
And they also had a volunteer ambulance service filled with paramedics that responded with impressive speed and great compassion.
Why is Massachusetts different?
I grew up in a closely knit community that had an ALL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
They had a lengthy waiting list of young men wanting to join. It was a privilege and a prestigious honor to participate.
My community won many prizes in fire fighting competitions.
But they did far more than fighting fires or responding to accidents.
On Christmas Eve, a portly fire fighter, dressed as Santa, mounted the ladder truck and rode up and down the streets of the community, amidst honking horns, sirens blaring, followed by a parade of fire equipment, rescue vehicles, and family cars.
Other volunteer fire fighters, dressed in Santa suits, followed Santa's route, delivering toys to homes (pre-arranged) and delighting children.
On Easter, the same portly fire fighter donned the Easter Bunny costume and mounted the ladder truck on Easter Eve, and waved, accompanied by the cacophony of sirens and horns and equipment.
There was much else that was accomplished by those volunteers to unite a community and forge the support. They were active and involved.
And they also had a volunteer ambulance service filled with paramedics that responded with impressive speed and great compassion.
Why is Massachusetts different?
Proud to be an American?
A number of years ago, a gentleman that I knew approached me to sign a petition to support a Constitutional Amendment making flag burning a crime and he presented great patriotic rhetoric to support his position.
I asked him if he was a registered voter.
He was not.
When I asked him how he could consider himself patriotic when he didn't participate in the process, he turned and walked away.
Recently, a few of us have circulated voter registration forms to unregistered voters to encourage registration prior to the deadline for STM (10/26).
I speak only for myself when I comment that I observed an inordinate number of patriotic flags, symbols, slogans (Proud to be an American, Support the Troops, and so on) on homes of those to whom I delivered voter registration forms.
Proud to be an American?
Doesn't participation count as YOUR responsibility to be an American?
What could be closer to true democracy than Town Meeting form of government?
Doesn't it pre-date the Founding Documents?
Just wondering! Your thoughts?
I asked him if he was a registered voter.
He was not.
When I asked him how he could consider himself patriotic when he didn't participate in the process, he turned and walked away.
Recently, a few of us have circulated voter registration forms to unregistered voters to encourage registration prior to the deadline for STM (10/26).
I speak only for myself when I comment that I observed an inordinate number of patriotic flags, symbols, slogans (Proud to be an American, Support the Troops, and so on) on homes of those to whom I delivered voter registration forms.
Proud to be an American?
Doesn't participation count as YOUR responsibility to be an American?
What could be closer to true democracy than Town Meeting form of government?
Doesn't it pre-date the Founding Documents?
Just wondering! Your thoughts?
Middleboro 10/22 BOS Mtg. or THE RETURN OF THE GAVEL QUEEN
Under threat of Recall, the Middleboro Board of Selectmen adopted a less rude approach to the conduct of their meetings. They became responsive and capable of adequately addressing issues.
The Board will finally address the water/sewer costs, but then the Town Treasurer forced the issue by putting them on notice that revenues were at a break even point. Again “Management by Crisis” became the “Plan“ the board operated under. Questions came up whether the Board was capable of administering or planning or living within its means.
Bets were placed to wager how long lasting their PRE-RECALL BEHAVIOR would exist.
After all, being a casino town, bets are acceptable on all things.
During the 10/22 Board meeting, the subject of Town Counsel was raised. Three current members of the Board were sitting on the Board when Attorney Murray was 'appointed.' I rose to ask a question and after being ignored for some time (I have to review the tape to provide an accurate time), the Chairwoman, Marsha Brunelle, finally responded 'NO!' to my 'Madam Chairman' request.
The Public, YOU will never know what my question was, but those watching the broadcast need to ask questions themselves.
There was no discussion about salary or 'appointment’ of the Town Counsel. Don't you wonder why?
P.S. Those of you that had your bet on 10/22 won.
Jessie Powell
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committeed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
The Board will finally address the water/sewer costs, but then the Town Treasurer forced the issue by putting them on notice that revenues were at a break even point. Again “Management by Crisis” became the “Plan“ the board operated under. Questions came up whether the Board was capable of administering or planning or living within its means.
Bets were placed to wager how long lasting their PRE-RECALL BEHAVIOR would exist.
After all, being a casino town, bets are acceptable on all things.
During the 10/22 Board meeting, the subject of Town Counsel was raised. Three current members of the Board were sitting on the Board when Attorney Murray was 'appointed.' I rose to ask a question and after being ignored for some time (I have to review the tape to provide an accurate time), the Chairwoman, Marsha Brunelle, finally responded 'NO!' to my 'Madam Chairman' request.
The Public, YOU will never know what my question was, but those watching the broadcast need to ask questions themselves.
There was no discussion about salary or 'appointment’ of the Town Counsel. Don't you wonder why?
P.S. Those of you that had your bet on 10/22 won.
Jessie Powell
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committeed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
REMINDER FOR STM!
We are trying to have more Middleboro residents involved in the way our town is run.
On Monday, NOVEMBER 5TH, a SPECIAL TOWN MEETING will be held at the Middleboro High School. It starts at 7:00 PM.
The VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE for the meeting is OCTOBER 26th.
The Town Clerk’s Office will remain open until 8 PM on that day.
Should you have any questions about registering, you can contact the Town Clerk at: 508 946-2415.
PLEASE REGISTER, VOTE AND ATTEND TOWN MEETING SO YOUR VOICE CAN BE HEARD!
On Monday, NOVEMBER 5TH, a SPECIAL TOWN MEETING will be held at the Middleboro High School. It starts at 7:00 PM.
The VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE for the meeting is OCTOBER 26th.
The Town Clerk’s Office will remain open until 8 PM on that day.
Should you have any questions about registering, you can contact the Town Clerk at: 508 946-2415.
PLEASE REGISTER, VOTE AND ATTEND TOWN MEETING SO YOUR VOICE CAN BE HEARD!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Middleboro Deja vu 2003
Included in the DOR Report completed in May 2007, were recommendations that the Town adopt quarterly real estate tax billing and bi-weekly payroll.
Sept. 24, 2007, the BOS discussed the issues. The IT Director indicated that the cost savings of a bi-weekly payroll would be $6800 and it was later agreed that more firm figures would be produced. (The meeting minutes indicate otherwise: http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/September%20Minutes/September%202007/September%2024,%202007.mht)
The Town Treasurer indicated that the cost savings would be personnel only, because the bank provides the checks for FREE.*
It is interesting to note that in 2003, the same issues were addressed. At that time the Town Treasurer indicated that a cost savings of $8,000 could be achieved with a bi-weekly payroll so the Town must be paying employees less.
Questions have been asked without satisfactory answers about AUTOMATIC DEPOSITS.*
In 2007, the Treasurer indicated that the school department had gone to automatic deposit. Has anyone asked if other departments have as well? It was discussed in 2003.
2003: http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/May%20Minutes/May%202003/May%2012,%202003.htm
Sept. 24, 2007, the BOS discussed the issues. The IT Director indicated that the cost savings of a bi-weekly payroll would be $6800 and it was later agreed that more firm figures would be produced. (The meeting minutes indicate otherwise: http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/September%20Minutes/September%202007/September%2024,%202007.mht)
The Town Treasurer indicated that the cost savings would be personnel only, because the bank provides the checks for FREE.*
It is interesting to note that in 2003, the same issues were addressed. At that time the Town Treasurer indicated that a cost savings of $8,000 could be achieved with a bi-weekly payroll so the Town must be paying employees less.
Questions have been asked without satisfactory answers about AUTOMATIC DEPOSITS.*
In 2007, the Treasurer indicated that the school department had gone to automatic deposit. Has anyone asked if other departments have as well? It was discussed in 2003.
2003: http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/May%20Minutes/May%202003/May%2012,%202003.htm
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Failed Middleboro Schools
It's easy to look at the failing performance
of the Middleboro Public Schools for the last
5 years and present a knee-jerk 'money' solution
as too many others have done.
Except didn't the failures began prior to
this year's budget cuts?
Posters on another blog suggested that we
weren't paying teachers enough, inter alia.
For a comparison of teachers' salaries, the
DOE offer the following that provides some
insight:
http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/schfin/statistics/salary.aspx?ID=182
How do you think Middleboro compares?
Comments?
of the Middleboro Public Schools for the last
5 years and present a knee-jerk 'money' solution
as too many others have done.
Except didn't the failures began prior to
this year's budget cuts?
Posters on another blog suggested that we
weren't paying teachers enough, inter alia.
For a comparison of teachers' salaries, the
DOE offer the following that provides some
insight:
http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/schfin/statistics/salary.aspx?ID=182
How do you think Middleboro compares?
Comments?
Middleboro's Bond Rating
Middleboro's Bond Rating, taken from JoryPepper.com:
October 2, 2007, Moody's Investors Service Press Release: Moody's Investors Service upgraded the issuer rating to A2 from A3 on the Middleborough Gas and Electric Department of the Town of Middleborough, MA. The upgrade incorporates the continued sound performance of the department and its strong cash reserves. This issuer rating is intended to be used as an assessment of the utility's financial strength and ability to honor its financial obligations and contracts. It incorporates the credit characteristics of the municipal electric utility, including its monopoly market position; unregulated rate setting authority; ability to recover costs monthly with a fuel adjustment charge; and sound financial operations and liquidity. The rating also incorporates the potential availability of the Town of Middleborough's liquidity and taxing authority to cure a nonperforming contract.
September 11, 2007, Moody's Investors Service Press Release: Moody's Investors Service has assigned A2 ratings to the Town of Middleborough's $7.95 million General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2007 Bonds and to the town's $3.49 million General Obligation Landfill Bonds (Subject to Federal and Massachusetts Income Taxation). Concurrently, Moody's has affirmed the town's long-term A2 rating and assigned a negative outlook affecting $34.7 million in outstanding long-term debt. The Series A bonds are issued to permanently finance various town capital projects, including the final tranche of bonds issued to finance the town's share of its junior high school renovation. The Series B bonds are issued to permanently finance remediation of a failed landfill. Both series of bonds are secured by the town's general obligation limited tax pledge as debt service has not been excluded from Proposition 2 ½. Affirmation of the A2 long-term rating incorporates Middleborough's moderately-sized and growing tax base with average wealth and income levels, an affordable debt burden, and a tax base experiencing moderate expansion. Assignment of the negative outlook reflects a significantly narrowed financial position with slim reserve levels which are unlikely to be replenished in the short term.
http://www.jorypepper.com/us/middleborough.htm
October 2, 2007, Moody's Investors Service Press Release: Moody's Investors Service upgraded the issuer rating to A2 from A3 on the Middleborough Gas and Electric Department of the Town of Middleborough, MA. The upgrade incorporates the continued sound performance of the department and its strong cash reserves. This issuer rating is intended to be used as an assessment of the utility's financial strength and ability to honor its financial obligations and contracts. It incorporates the credit characteristics of the municipal electric utility, including its monopoly market position; unregulated rate setting authority; ability to recover costs monthly with a fuel adjustment charge; and sound financial operations and liquidity. The rating also incorporates the potential availability of the Town of Middleborough's liquidity and taxing authority to cure a nonperforming contract.
September 11, 2007, Moody's Investors Service Press Release: Moody's Investors Service has assigned A2 ratings to the Town of Middleborough's $7.95 million General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2007 Bonds and to the town's $3.49 million General Obligation Landfill Bonds (Subject to Federal and Massachusetts Income Taxation). Concurrently, Moody's has affirmed the town's long-term A2 rating and assigned a negative outlook affecting $34.7 million in outstanding long-term debt. The Series A bonds are issued to permanently finance various town capital projects, including the final tranche of bonds issued to finance the town's share of its junior high school renovation. The Series B bonds are issued to permanently finance remediation of a failed landfill. Both series of bonds are secured by the town's general obligation limited tax pledge as debt service has not been excluded from Proposition 2 ½. Affirmation of the A2 long-term rating incorporates Middleborough's moderately-sized and growing tax base with average wealth and income levels, an affordable debt burden, and a tax base experiencing moderate expansion. Assignment of the negative outlook reflects a significantly narrowed financial position with slim reserve levels which are unlikely to be replenished in the short term.
http://www.jorypepper.com/us/middleborough.htm
10/22 Selectmen's Meeting: Deficit Solved!
Selectman Rogers went on at length
to explain that the Pension Fund is self-supporting
by contributions from TOWN MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES.
Middleboro contributes + $3 MILLION annually to the Plymouth
County Retirement and the state picks up the tab of + $ 3
MILLION for the school system.
Thank you Mr. Rogers for informing taxpayers where the
Town of Middleboro could save $3 MILLION!
There's our deficit! Problem solved!
to explain that the Pension Fund is self-supporting
by contributions from TOWN MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES.
Middleboro contributes + $3 MILLION annually to the Plymouth
County Retirement and the state picks up the tab of + $ 3
MILLION for the school system.
Thank you Mr. Rogers for informing taxpayers where the
Town of Middleboro could save $3 MILLION!
There's our deficit! Problem solved!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Town Counsel Part 2
The BOS submitted my letter to current Town Counsel
questioning Town Counsel's Pension!
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JULY 2, 2007
Correspondence from Jessie Powell regarding the former Town Counsel’s pension will be forwarded to Town Counsel for comment. Selectmen's Meeting minutes
questioning Town Counsel's Pension!
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JULY 2, 2007
Correspondence from Jessie Powell regarding the former Town Counsel’s pension will be forwarded to Town Counsel for comment. Selectmen's Meeting minutes
Town Counsel Part 1
Various issues have been raised regarding the handling of the Town's
'Legal Affairs' as described in the Town Charter.
To simplify understanding of a confusing issue, please consider that
previous Town Counsel, George Decas 'officially' retired effective
4/1/03.
Mr. Decas receives a town-funded pension of ~ $4,600 per month from
Plymouth County Retirement.
For those who are new to town, I raised the issue, in writing, to the
BOS. I don't EVER recall Mr. Decas personally appearing. Instead, Mr.
Murray appeared at public meetings as requested for many years.
Was Mr. Decas receiving a salary consistent with the Town Charter?
Since he was not performing his duties consistent with the Town Charter
for an undetermined number of years, were those years counted toward
his pension? For how many years was Mr. Decas not fulfilling the
responsibilities dictated by the Town Charter?
Will those years that Mr. Murray also represented the
Town, in Mr. Decas's stead, count toward his retirement?
Was Mr. Murray receiving an hourly rate consistent with current
practice during that time?
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
MARCH 3, 2003
Chairman Perkins called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
Selectman Rogers, Selectwoman Brunelle and Selectman Eayrs were present.
Selectman Wiksten was absent.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Board received notice from George Decas that he is retiring as Town Counsel as of April 1, 2003.
Upon motion by Selectwoman Brunelle and seconded by Selectman Eayrs, the Board
VOTED: To send a letter of thanks to Attorney Decas for his many years of service to the Town and to wish him well on his semi-retirement.
Unanimous Vote.
Upon motion by Selectman Eayrs and seconded by Selectwoman Brunelle, the Board
VOTED: To accept the resignation of George Decas with deepest regrets.
Unanimous Vote.
Upon motion by Selectman Eayrs and seconded by Selectman Rogers, the Board
VOTED: To appoint Attorney Daniel F. Murray as Town Counsel.
Unanimous Vote. Meeting Minutes
'Legal Affairs' as described in the Town Charter.
To simplify understanding of a confusing issue, please consider that
previous Town Counsel, George Decas 'officially' retired effective
4/1/03.
Mr. Decas receives a town-funded pension of ~ $4,600 per month from
Plymouth County Retirement.
For those who are new to town, I raised the issue, in writing, to the
BOS. I don't EVER recall Mr. Decas personally appearing. Instead, Mr.
Murray appeared at public meetings as requested for many years.
Was Mr. Decas receiving a salary consistent with the Town Charter?
Since he was not performing his duties consistent with the Town Charter
for an undetermined number of years, were those years counted toward
his pension? For how many years was Mr. Decas not fulfilling the
responsibilities dictated by the Town Charter?
Will those years that Mr. Murray also represented the
Town, in Mr. Decas's stead, count toward his retirement?
Was Mr. Murray receiving an hourly rate consistent with current
practice during that time?
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
MARCH 3, 2003
Chairman Perkins called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
Selectman Rogers, Selectwoman Brunelle and Selectman Eayrs were present.
Selectman Wiksten was absent.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Board received notice from George Decas that he is retiring as Town Counsel as of April 1, 2003.
Upon motion by Selectwoman Brunelle and seconded by Selectman Eayrs, the Board
VOTED: To send a letter of thanks to Attorney Decas for his many years of service to the Town and to wish him well on his semi-retirement.
Unanimous Vote.
Upon motion by Selectman Eayrs and seconded by Selectwoman Brunelle, the Board
VOTED: To accept the resignation of George Decas with deepest regrets.
Unanimous Vote.
Upon motion by Selectman Eayrs and seconded by Selectman Rogers, the Board
VOTED: To appoint Attorney Daniel F. Murray as Town Counsel.
Unanimous Vote. Meeting Minutes
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Finance Committee Minutes Posted
The following is posted on Cranberry Times.
Emphasis mine.
I have posted the Finance Committee Minutes for Oct 1st on Cranberry Times.
See: http://cranberrytimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=9
Bob Dunphy
Cranberry Times
508 923-0197 or Bob@CranberryTimes.com
Middleborough Finance Committee 10/1/2007
Written by Bob Dunphy
Sunday, 21 October 2007
The Finance Committee
Middleborough Town Hall
October 1, 2007
Approved Minutes
The meeting is called to order at 7:05 PM. Members present were Peter LePage, Glenn MacPherson, Richard Pavadore, Joe Thomas, Stephen Studley and Tarsi Velantzas. Absent was Nancy Thomas. Also present was Colleen Lieb – Recording Secretary.
There is a review of the August 27, 2007 minutes. There are no changes noted.
Motion is made by Member S. Studley and seconded by Member J. Thomas to approve the August 27, 2007 minutes as presented. All are in favor.
Member G. MacPherson reports on his difficulty in getting an accounting of the monies spent at the July 28th Special Town Meeting. It is noted that there was a presentation made during the Selectmen’s meeting but there was no official submission of the accounting. It is noted that the monies spent under the Reserve Fund can be accounted for. This will be available at the next meeting.
The Committee discusses sending a letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting an accounting of the funds so that they may be replenished at the Fall Town Meeting. It is noted that the Fall Town Meeting has not yet been set.
Motion is made by Member P. LePage and seconded by Member J. Thomas to authorize the Chairman to send a letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting the accounting of the funds spent at the Special Town Meeting held on July 28, 2007. All are in favor.
Chairman Pavadore asks about the liaison from the Finance Committee to the Capital Planning Committee. It is noted that this group will be meeting to make recommendations to the upcoming Fall Town Meeting. It is noted that Member P. LePage was appointment a few meetings ago to the Capital Planning Committee so no action needs to be taken at this time.
Bob Whalen – Building Inspector & Donna Bernabeo are present for the discussion. Bob Whalen discusses with the Committee the cuts in hours that have resulted in not having enough staff to get the necessary inspections done. He explains the FY ’08 budget process and the direction he received to cut his budget and reduce hours, more than other Departments. He explains that he has put together a request to supplement the Building Department budget at the Fall Town Meeting in the amount of $21,319.00. It is noted that the figures for the individual line items will be provided.
Motion is made by Member S. Studley and seconded by Member J. Thomas to recommend favorable action on the supplement request for the Building Department in the amount of $21,319.00. All are in favor.
The Committee briefly discusses the meeting with the Board of Selectmen regarding the Collaborative Leadership Group.
It is agreed that the next meeting of the Finance Committee will be Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:00 PM.
Motion is made and seconded to adjourn at 8:15 PM. All are in favor
Respectfully submitted by,
___________________________________
Colleen M. Lieb, Recording Secretary
Last Updated ( Sunday, 21 October 2007 )
Emphasis mine.
I have posted the Finance Committee Minutes for Oct 1st on Cranberry Times.
See: http://cranberrytimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=9
Bob Dunphy
Cranberry Times
508 923-0197 or Bob@CranberryTimes.com
Middleborough Finance Committee 10/1/2007
Written by Bob Dunphy
Sunday, 21 October 2007
The Finance Committee
Middleborough Town Hall
October 1, 2007
Approved Minutes
The meeting is called to order at 7:05 PM. Members present were Peter LePage, Glenn MacPherson, Richard Pavadore, Joe Thomas, Stephen Studley and Tarsi Velantzas. Absent was Nancy Thomas. Also present was Colleen Lieb – Recording Secretary.
There is a review of the August 27, 2007 minutes. There are no changes noted.
Motion is made by Member S. Studley and seconded by Member J. Thomas to approve the August 27, 2007 minutes as presented. All are in favor.
Member G. MacPherson reports on his difficulty in getting an accounting of the monies spent at the July 28th Special Town Meeting. It is noted that there was a presentation made during the Selectmen’s meeting but there was no official submission of the accounting. It is noted that the monies spent under the Reserve Fund can be accounted for. This will be available at the next meeting.
The Committee discusses sending a letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting an accounting of the funds so that they may be replenished at the Fall Town Meeting. It is noted that the Fall Town Meeting has not yet been set.
Motion is made by Member P. LePage and seconded by Member J. Thomas to authorize the Chairman to send a letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting the accounting of the funds spent at the Special Town Meeting held on July 28, 2007. All are in favor.
Chairman Pavadore asks about the liaison from the Finance Committee to the Capital Planning Committee. It is noted that this group will be meeting to make recommendations to the upcoming Fall Town Meeting. It is noted that Member P. LePage was appointment a few meetings ago to the Capital Planning Committee so no action needs to be taken at this time.
Bob Whalen – Building Inspector & Donna Bernabeo are present for the discussion. Bob Whalen discusses with the Committee the cuts in hours that have resulted in not having enough staff to get the necessary inspections done. He explains the FY ’08 budget process and the direction he received to cut his budget and reduce hours, more than other Departments. He explains that he has put together a request to supplement the Building Department budget at the Fall Town Meeting in the amount of $21,319.00. It is noted that the figures for the individual line items will be provided.
Motion is made by Member S. Studley and seconded by Member J. Thomas to recommend favorable action on the supplement request for the Building Department in the amount of $21,319.00. All are in favor.
The Committee briefly discusses the meeting with the Board of Selectmen regarding the Collaborative Leadership Group.
It is agreed that the next meeting of the Finance Committee will be Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:00 PM.
Motion is made and seconded to adjourn at 8:15 PM. All are in favor
Respectfully submitted by,
___________________________________
Colleen M. Lieb, Recording Secretary
Last Updated ( Sunday, 21 October 2007 )
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Town Expenses & STM
The Warrant for the Nov. 5th STM appears to contain numerous items that require clarification.
Article 6 contains an amount of $42,464.42 for the July 28, 2007 STM, yet the final accounting offered on 7/30/07 was $74,450. Didn't the Finance Committee authorize partial funding of $40,000? What other amounts were expended? Surely this is information that will be provided by the Finance Committee at the public hearing.
The following are the meeting minutes at which TOWN COUNSEL was asked his legal opinion regarding STM funding:
SELECTMEN’S MEETINGJULY 16, 2007
Selectman Bond asked Attorney Murray what methodology the Board has for authorizing the expenditure of funds to the Committee.
Attorney Murray said, absent an appropriation, it can’t.
Chairwoman Brunelle said she had a discussion today with the DOR regarding how to do this. She said there is a method to deficit spend for emergency purposes if the DOR approves. She said there is also $50,000 in the Reserve Fund that could be spent with a commitment to replace it at the Fall Town Meeting.
Mr. Brunelle said some costs do not have to be paid up front and can wait for Town Meeting.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/July%20Minutes/July%202007/July%2016,%202007.mht
The following is the wording that pertains to STM expenses (posted on CranberryTimes in their entirety):
Article 6
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from taxation, free cash, another specific available fund, the Stabilization Fund, an existing appropriation or account or other available source to pay $ 42,464.42 for the following cost related to the July 28, 2007 Special Town Meeting, or act anything thereon.
Middleborough Public School $2,551.00 Custodial & Clerical Services
Laidlaw Educational Services $15,680.00 Busing Services
Roger Brunelle (reimbursement) $715.99 misc. Supplies
Information Technology Budget $5,476.39 mailing etc
Council on Aging Budget $872.04 Van Personnel and related cost
Police Department Budget $8,999.00 Security Services
Selectmen Budget $8,170.00 Printing
http://cranberrytimes.com/
The following is an excerpt from the Selectmen's Meeting minutes in which the total expenditures for the STM were discussed:
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JULY 30, 2007
HEARINGS, MEETINGS & LICENSES
Meeting with Roger Brunelle – RE: Update on Special Town Meeting
Roger Brunelle was present. He gave the Board a handout with the final costs for Town Meeting. The original costs were estimated at $123,900. The final cost was $74,450.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/July%20Minutes/July%202007/July%2030,%202007.mht
Article 6 contains an amount of $42,464.42 for the July 28, 2007 STM, yet the final accounting offered on 7/30/07 was $74,450. Didn't the Finance Committee authorize partial funding of $40,000? What other amounts were expended? Surely this is information that will be provided by the Finance Committee at the public hearing.
The following are the meeting minutes at which TOWN COUNSEL was asked his legal opinion regarding STM funding:
SELECTMEN’S MEETINGJULY 16, 2007
Selectman Bond asked Attorney Murray what methodology the Board has for authorizing the expenditure of funds to the Committee.
Attorney Murray said, absent an appropriation, it can’t.
Chairwoman Brunelle said she had a discussion today with the DOR regarding how to do this. She said there is a method to deficit spend for emergency purposes if the DOR approves. She said there is also $50,000 in the Reserve Fund that could be spent with a commitment to replace it at the Fall Town Meeting.
Mr. Brunelle said some costs do not have to be paid up front and can wait for Town Meeting.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/July%20Minutes/July%202007/July%2016,%202007.mht
The following is the wording that pertains to STM expenses (posted on CranberryTimes in their entirety):
Article 6
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from taxation, free cash, another specific available fund, the Stabilization Fund, an existing appropriation or account or other available source to pay $ 42,464.42 for the following cost related to the July 28, 2007 Special Town Meeting, or act anything thereon.
Middleborough Public School $2,551.00 Custodial & Clerical Services
Laidlaw Educational Services $15,680.00 Busing Services
Roger Brunelle (reimbursement) $715.99 misc. Supplies
Information Technology Budget $5,476.39 mailing etc
Council on Aging Budget $872.04 Van Personnel and related cost
Police Department Budget $8,999.00 Security Services
Selectmen Budget $8,170.00 Printing
http://cranberrytimes.com/
The following is an excerpt from the Selectmen's Meeting minutes in which the total expenditures for the STM were discussed:
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JULY 30, 2007
HEARINGS, MEETINGS & LICENSES
Meeting with Roger Brunelle – RE: Update on Special Town Meeting
Roger Brunelle was present. He gave the Board a handout with the final costs for Town Meeting. The original costs were estimated at $123,900. The final cost was $74,450.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/July%20Minutes/July%202007/July%2030,%202007.mht
Regional Task Force
At the 10/15 Selectmen's Meeting, the Regional Casino Task Force was discussed.
The previous contentious meeting of the Task Force refused to allow participation by Middleboro.
Selectman Bond insisted that he should be included although in the past, he has made numerous inflammatory and insulting comments at those meetings or in the media. He also indicated that Middleboro could provide a great deal of information.
One must wonder if that was the information denied Middleboro voters in making an informed decision? Has it ever been made public?
Was that to be the information discussed at the July 9, 2007 Selectmen's Meeting?
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JULY 9, 2007
Status – Casino Negotiations Agreement
Selectman Bond said there was nothing new to report as far as the Casino Agreement. He said there were 2 related issues.
Selectman Bond said he had talked to Ruth Geoffroy about setting up an informational meeting. He explained that Department Heads had done a lot of research and work on putting together a proposal for the Tribe. He suggested a public meeting on July 17th would allow department heads to answer public questions.
Chairwoman Brunelle suggested that Selectman Bond make sure all department heads are available. She believed at least one would not.
Upon motion by Selectman Bond and seconded by Selectman Perkins, the Board
VOTED: To schedule, as soon as possible, an informational meeting with department heads - to last for a minimum time of 7 PM to 10 PM - to answer questions posed by the public regarding the impact and infrastructure that may or may not come with a casino.
Unanimous Vote.
Selectman Spataro asked if the meeting would be separate and apart of a public hearing for the Town Meeting.
Selectman Bond said it would be.
It was the consensus of the Board that it would be a good idea to respond to the concerns of the public. She said a public hearing prior to Town Meeting would also be held.
Selectman Bond said he ask Ms. Geoffroy to chair the meeting.
The venue for the meeting would have to be determined.
Chairwoman Brunelle said the information would be available next Monday.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/July%20Minutes/July%202007/July%209,%202007.mht
Enterprise article:
The group also agreed to revisit its decision at its last meeting to deny Middleboro a seat on the task force.
Middleboro Selectman Pat Rogers pleaded his town’s case last night, saying, “we’d like to work together with you as the project goes forward. We are part of the region. We’re certainly not going to work against you.”
But several task force members said Middleboro’s contract with the Wampanoag to host the casino could put the town at cross purposes with its neighbors.
“You signed an agreement with the tribe,” said Ms.Yeatts, who remarked that part of Middleboro’s contractual obligation includes responding to any negative comments about the proposed casino. “”I’d like to be assured you’re not using us to meet your commitment to the tribe.”Rep. Canessa suggested the neighbors’ shunning of Middleboro was the result of their “frustration, disappointment and anger at the town of Middleboro.” But he said the towns might have to all work together in the future and “you don’t want to see that bitterness that you see tonight be reflected back on you.”
“We’re not angry,” Plymouth Selectman Tavares countered, “You made your choice as a community and I respect that,” he told Mr. Rogers.
“I just don’t see where our common goals are going to cross right now,” he said.
The task force agreed to take under advisement Middleboro’s request to become a member.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071017/NEWS/71017036
The previous contentious meeting of the Task Force refused to allow participation by Middleboro.
Selectman Bond insisted that he should be included although in the past, he has made numerous inflammatory and insulting comments at those meetings or in the media. He also indicated that Middleboro could provide a great deal of information.
One must wonder if that was the information denied Middleboro voters in making an informed decision? Has it ever been made public?
Was that to be the information discussed at the July 9, 2007 Selectmen's Meeting?
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JULY 9, 2007
Status – Casino Negotiations Agreement
Selectman Bond said there was nothing new to report as far as the Casino Agreement. He said there were 2 related issues.
Selectman Bond said he had talked to Ruth Geoffroy about setting up an informational meeting. He explained that Department Heads had done a lot of research and work on putting together a proposal for the Tribe. He suggested a public meeting on July 17th would allow department heads to answer public questions.
Chairwoman Brunelle suggested that Selectman Bond make sure all department heads are available. She believed at least one would not.
Upon motion by Selectman Bond and seconded by Selectman Perkins, the Board
VOTED: To schedule, as soon as possible, an informational meeting with department heads - to last for a minimum time of 7 PM to 10 PM - to answer questions posed by the public regarding the impact and infrastructure that may or may not come with a casino.
Unanimous Vote.
Selectman Spataro asked if the meeting would be separate and apart of a public hearing for the Town Meeting.
Selectman Bond said it would be.
It was the consensus of the Board that it would be a good idea to respond to the concerns of the public. She said a public hearing prior to Town Meeting would also be held.
Selectman Bond said he ask Ms. Geoffroy to chair the meeting.
The venue for the meeting would have to be determined.
Chairwoman Brunelle said the information would be available next Monday.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/July%20Minutes/July%202007/July%209,%202007.mht
Enterprise article:
The group also agreed to revisit its decision at its last meeting to deny Middleboro a seat on the task force.
Middleboro Selectman Pat Rogers pleaded his town’s case last night, saying, “we’d like to work together with you as the project goes forward. We are part of the region. We’re certainly not going to work against you.”
But several task force members said Middleboro’s contract with the Wampanoag to host the casino could put the town at cross purposes with its neighbors.
“You signed an agreement with the tribe,” said Ms.Yeatts, who remarked that part of Middleboro’s contractual obligation includes responding to any negative comments about the proposed casino. “”I’d like to be assured you’re not using us to meet your commitment to the tribe.”Rep. Canessa suggested the neighbors’ shunning of Middleboro was the result of their “frustration, disappointment and anger at the town of Middleboro.” But he said the towns might have to all work together in the future and “you don’t want to see that bitterness that you see tonight be reflected back on you.”
“We’re not angry,” Plymouth Selectman Tavares countered, “You made your choice as a community and I respect that,” he told Mr. Rogers.
“I just don’t see where our common goals are going to cross right now,” he said.
The task force agreed to take under advisement Middleboro’s request to become a member.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071017/NEWS/71017036
AGENDA 10/22/07 SELECTMEN'S MEETING
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
OCTOBER 22, 2007
A. SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
B. HEARINGS, MEETINGS & LICENSES
1. 7:00 PM – Meeting with Judy Bigelow-Costa, MOM & Bob Saquet, Business Association - RE: Thanks to Sponsors
2. 7:05 PM – Hearing – Request for Transfer & Change of Location for Liquor License – ‘North Main Street Market‘
3. 7:30 PM – Meeting with Kevin Cook – RE: Update on Veterans Benefit Car Show
C. NEW BUSINESS
1. Recognition of Rotary Club Appointment – Town Manager
2. Request for Reappointment – COA Board of Directors
3. Request to Appoint Special Counsel – ZBA
4. Discussion – Chapterland - Gates - – License for Exploration
D. OLD BUSINESS
E. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
F. SELECTMEN’S BILLS
G. OTHER
H. CORRESPONDENCE
I. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Selectmen - Please Let the Board’s Secretary know of any meetings that need to be posted
MEETING WILL BE HELD AT
TOWN HALL
10 NICKERSON AVENUE
MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Meeting%20Agendas/Agenda%20-%20October%2022,%202007.mht
OCTOBER 22, 2007
A. SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
B. HEARINGS, MEETINGS & LICENSES
1. 7:00 PM – Meeting with Judy Bigelow-Costa, MOM & Bob Saquet, Business Association - RE: Thanks to Sponsors
2. 7:05 PM – Hearing – Request for Transfer & Change of Location for Liquor License – ‘North Main Street Market‘
3. 7:30 PM – Meeting with Kevin Cook – RE: Update on Veterans Benefit Car Show
C. NEW BUSINESS
1. Recognition of Rotary Club Appointment – Town Manager
2. Request for Reappointment – COA Board of Directors
3. Request to Appoint Special Counsel – ZBA
4. Discussion – Chapterland - Gates - – License for Exploration
D. OLD BUSINESS
E. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
F. SELECTMEN’S BILLS
G. OTHER
H. CORRESPONDENCE
I. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Selectmen - Please Let the Board’s Secretary know of any meetings that need to be posted
MEETING WILL BE HELD AT
TOWN HALL
10 NICKERSON AVENUE
MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Meeting%20Agendas/Agenda%20-%20October%2022,%202007.mht
Globe: MCAS science results mixed
The following appeared in today's Boston Globe (link below):
By James Vaznis, Globe Staff | October 18, 2007
School administrators in Southeastern Massachusetts say they need to bolster scores on the state's new high school science exam, even though the majority of the region's public school districts outperformed the state average in the scores released this week.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/10/18/mcas_science_results_mixed/
Included is a chart of MCAS science pass rates:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/10/18/mcas_south/
For consideration of the impact of per pupil costs, the DOE has provided an analysis:
http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/schfin/statistics/function06_detail.aspx?ID=266
TOWN PER PUPIL COST
ABINGTON 8842.27
ACTON 8997.1
ACUSHNET 8787.54
ATTLEBORO 9898.96
BELCHERTOWN 8791.38
BERKLEY 7747.83
BOXFORD 9382.75
BRAINTREE 9728.79
CARVER 9918.93
CHELMSFORD 9116.94
DANVERS 9862.75
DARTMOUTH 8951.92
DOUGLAS 7732.25
DRACUT 8147.6
DUXBURY 9307.48
EAST BRIDGEWATER 8070.42
EAST LONGMEADOW 9216.1
EASTON 8361.95
FAIRHAVEN 9222.5
FOXBOROUGH 9569.82
FRANKLIN 9230.45
FREETOWN 9957.64
GARDNER 8711.59
GRAFTON 8421.81
HALIFAX 8548.33
HANOVER 9125.09
HATFIELD 9276.29
HINGHAM 9291.68
HOLBROOK 9477.59
HOPEDALE 8665.07
KINGSTON 8826.16
LAKEVILLE 7760.32
LEOMINSTER 9858.35
LONGMEADOW 9968.21
LUDLOW 9485.67
LUNENBURG 9106.29
MANSFIELD 8458.27
MARSHFIELD 9499.55
MEDFIELD 8596.68
MEDWAY 9008.71
MELROSE 9571.25
METHUEN 9490.21
MIDDLEBOROUGH 9937.82
MILFORD 9970.38
MILLBURY 9830.09
MILLIS 8660.11
MONSON 8453.57
NAHANT 9379.5
NORTH ANDOVER 9152.57
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH 9106.28
NORTHBOROUGH 9930.66
NORTHBRIDGE 9613.86
NORTH READING 8428.99
NORTON 9715.78
NORWELL 9386.73
OXFORD 8882.14
PEMBROKE 8439.72
PETERSHAM 9104.81
PLAINVILLE 9131.82
PLYMPTON 8937.36
ROCHESTER 9376.07
ROCKLAND 9221.13
SANDWICH 8908.83
SCITUATE 9233.61
SEEKONK 9316.3
SHIRLEY 9905.98
SHREWSBURY 8847.5
SOUTHAMPTON 8986.23
STONEHAM 9359.36
STOUGHTON 9830.19
SUDBURY 9851.46
TAUNTON 9819.39
TEWKSBURY 8607.98
UXBRIDGE 9395.41
WAREHAM 9667.51
WEST BOYLSTON 9731.07
WEST BRIDGEWATER 9716.16
WESTFORD 8923.1
WESTHAMPTON 9340.22
WESTPORT 9187.1
WILMINGTON 9593
WRENTHAM 8795.58
BRIDGEWATER RAYNHAM 8860.39
DIGHTON REHOBOTH 8835.67
FREETOWN LAKEVILLE 9502.69
Can we say that this is strictly a money issue? Why are Towns that are paying less per pupil doing better than Middleboro?
By James Vaznis, Globe Staff | October 18, 2007
School administrators in Southeastern Massachusetts say they need to bolster scores on the state's new high school science exam, even though the majority of the region's public school districts outperformed the state average in the scores released this week.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/10/18/mcas_science_results_mixed/
Included is a chart of MCAS science pass rates:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/10/18/mcas_south/
For consideration of the impact of per pupil costs, the DOE has provided an analysis:
http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/schfin/statistics/function06_detail.aspx?ID=266
TOWN PER PUPIL COST
ABINGTON 8842.27
ACTON 8997.1
ACUSHNET 8787.54
ATTLEBORO 9898.96
BELCHERTOWN 8791.38
BERKLEY 7747.83
BOXFORD 9382.75
BRAINTREE 9728.79
CARVER 9918.93
CHELMSFORD 9116.94
DANVERS 9862.75
DARTMOUTH 8951.92
DOUGLAS 7732.25
DRACUT 8147.6
DUXBURY 9307.48
EAST BRIDGEWATER 8070.42
EAST LONGMEADOW 9216.1
EASTON 8361.95
FAIRHAVEN 9222.5
FOXBOROUGH 9569.82
FRANKLIN 9230.45
FREETOWN 9957.64
GARDNER 8711.59
GRAFTON 8421.81
HALIFAX 8548.33
HANOVER 9125.09
HATFIELD 9276.29
HINGHAM 9291.68
HOLBROOK 9477.59
HOPEDALE 8665.07
KINGSTON 8826.16
LAKEVILLE 7760.32
LEOMINSTER 9858.35
LONGMEADOW 9968.21
LUDLOW 9485.67
LUNENBURG 9106.29
MANSFIELD 8458.27
MARSHFIELD 9499.55
MEDFIELD 8596.68
MEDWAY 9008.71
MELROSE 9571.25
METHUEN 9490.21
MIDDLEBOROUGH 9937.82
MILFORD 9970.38
MILLBURY 9830.09
MILLIS 8660.11
MONSON 8453.57
NAHANT 9379.5
NORTH ANDOVER 9152.57
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH 9106.28
NORTHBOROUGH 9930.66
NORTHBRIDGE 9613.86
NORTH READING 8428.99
NORTON 9715.78
NORWELL 9386.73
OXFORD 8882.14
PEMBROKE 8439.72
PETERSHAM 9104.81
PLAINVILLE 9131.82
PLYMPTON 8937.36
ROCHESTER 9376.07
ROCKLAND 9221.13
SANDWICH 8908.83
SCITUATE 9233.61
SEEKONK 9316.3
SHIRLEY 9905.98
SHREWSBURY 8847.5
SOUTHAMPTON 8986.23
STONEHAM 9359.36
STOUGHTON 9830.19
SUDBURY 9851.46
TAUNTON 9819.39
TEWKSBURY 8607.98
UXBRIDGE 9395.41
WAREHAM 9667.51
WEST BOYLSTON 9731.07
WEST BRIDGEWATER 9716.16
WESTFORD 8923.1
WESTHAMPTON 9340.22
WESTPORT 9187.1
WILMINGTON 9593
WRENTHAM 8795.58
BRIDGEWATER RAYNHAM 8860.39
DIGHTON REHOBOTH 8835.67
FREETOWN LAKEVILLE 9502.69
Can we say that this is strictly a money issue? Why are Towns that are paying less per pupil doing better than Middleboro?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Gambling & Golden Circle
This is an interesting perspective others might appreciate:
I'd like to relate an incident that happened some years ago that
colors how I feel about the Governor's casino proposal.
I used to teach Junior High School mathematics. At some point --
it must have been the late '70's or early '80's -- yet another
one of these chain letter schemes hit this state and for a short
time was wildly popular. And to counter the inevitable criticism
that this was a pyramid scheme, the chain letter was marketed as
"not a pyramid but a circle" -- the "Circle of Gold", because it
would supposedly never end, but keep going around and around. I
never heard anyone say what this really could possibly mean, but
I heard any number of people repeat this.
It was indeed very popular. For a few weeks the teachers' room
conversation was dominated by people who had bought into this,
sold copies to their acquaintances, and were awaiting the big
payoff. And then a few weeks later, all of a sudden, no one
spoke about it any more. It was like it had never happened.
But when it first started up, lots of people were talking about
it, including the students. And so I thought, "This is a
teachable moment." I took one of my 8th grade classes and we
spent one class period talking about the "Circle of Gold" and how
it worked. They were all really excited about it. (And junior
high school students invariably mirror their parents' opinions
about matters such as this.)
We worked out together in class how long it would take for every
person in the world to be sold one of these chain letters. I
don't remember the details, but it wasn't a very long time. And
then I asked them what would happen next.
I thought the argument was pretty convincing. But to my
students, it wasn't. They were perfectly able to perform the
computation and draw the inevitable conclusion. But it had no
effect whatever on what they thought. They were blinded by the
idea that they or their parents were going to get immensely
wealthy. The only critical comment I managed to elicit was
toward the end of the class, when one student said, "Well, you
know, someone could cheat and move their name up toward the top
of the list." And another student immediately said, "Yeah,
that's what my mother did." (Seventh and eighth-graders are
remarkable in this way; what comes in their head comes right out
their mouth.)
For generations now the Republicans have been bad-mouthing
government and public employees, and telling everyone that
taxation is theft. And we as Democrats really haven't taken this
attack very seriously. So Governor Patrick could not even get a
bill through to repeal an ancient tax loophole given to the
telephone companies years ago and long since outdated. I think
he gave up awfully easily on this one. What we need in this
state -- in the whole country, really -- is a discussion on
taxation and government. And I for one worked for and voted for
Deval Patrick hoping that he would lead the kind of movement that
could make discussions like that happen. But instead we see
people jumping on the casino bandwagon because of the cynical
view that discussion of taxation is just off the table and
there's nothing we can do about it. And if that cynical view is
really so powerful, then what are we left with? One fairy tale
or another, I guess. And so now some people are deciding that
casinos are a source of wealth, rather than a drain on productive
labor. Maybe they'll get rich. Or maybe the state will get
rich. Or maybe both. In any event, it's free money.
That experience I had trying to teach about the "Circle of Gold"
wasn't a great moment for me as a teacher. But I did take
something away from it. And I think I see some of the same
psychology in play right now. And I don't like it now any more
than I did then.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Just to be clear: I don't think that the cynical view is actually
so powerful. I think it only seems powerful because it's so
rarely challenged. I think Deval was absolutely on target when
at the Democratic state nominating convention he urged us to put
down our cynicism. I think we *can* change the political climate
and frame the political discussion in a productive way. But we
have to try; we have to work at it.
--Carl O.
I'd like to relate an incident that happened some years ago that
colors how I feel about the Governor's casino proposal.
I used to teach Junior High School mathematics. At some point --
it must have been the late '70's or early '80's -- yet another
one of these chain letter schemes hit this state and for a short
time was wildly popular. And to counter the inevitable criticism
that this was a pyramid scheme, the chain letter was marketed as
"not a pyramid but a circle" -- the "Circle of Gold", because it
would supposedly never end, but keep going around and around. I
never heard anyone say what this really could possibly mean, but
I heard any number of people repeat this.
It was indeed very popular. For a few weeks the teachers' room
conversation was dominated by people who had bought into this,
sold copies to their acquaintances, and were awaiting the big
payoff. And then a few weeks later, all of a sudden, no one
spoke about it any more. It was like it had never happened.
But when it first started up, lots of people were talking about
it, including the students. And so I thought, "This is a
teachable moment." I took one of my 8th grade classes and we
spent one class period talking about the "Circle of Gold" and how
it worked. They were all really excited about it. (And junior
high school students invariably mirror their parents' opinions
about matters such as this.)
We worked out together in class how long it would take for every
person in the world to be sold one of these chain letters. I
don't remember the details, but it wasn't a very long time. And
then I asked them what would happen next.
I thought the argument was pretty convincing. But to my
students, it wasn't. They were perfectly able to perform the
computation and draw the inevitable conclusion. But it had no
effect whatever on what they thought. They were blinded by the
idea that they or their parents were going to get immensely
wealthy. The only critical comment I managed to elicit was
toward the end of the class, when one student said, "Well, you
know, someone could cheat and move their name up toward the top
of the list." And another student immediately said, "Yeah,
that's what my mother did." (Seventh and eighth-graders are
remarkable in this way; what comes in their head comes right out
their mouth.)
For generations now the Republicans have been bad-mouthing
government and public employees, and telling everyone that
taxation is theft. And we as Democrats really haven't taken this
attack very seriously. So Governor Patrick could not even get a
bill through to repeal an ancient tax loophole given to the
telephone companies years ago and long since outdated. I think
he gave up awfully easily on this one. What we need in this
state -- in the whole country, really -- is a discussion on
taxation and government. And I for one worked for and voted for
Deval Patrick hoping that he would lead the kind of movement that
could make discussions like that happen. But instead we see
people jumping on the casino bandwagon because of the cynical
view that discussion of taxation is just off the table and
there's nothing we can do about it. And if that cynical view is
really so powerful, then what are we left with? One fairy tale
or another, I guess. And so now some people are deciding that
casinos are a source of wealth, rather than a drain on productive
labor. Maybe they'll get rich. Or maybe the state will get
rich. Or maybe both. In any event, it's free money.
That experience I had trying to teach about the "Circle of Gold"
wasn't a great moment for me as a teacher. But I did take
something away from it. And I think I see some of the same
psychology in play right now. And I don't like it now any more
than I did then.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Just to be clear: I don't think that the cynical view is actually
so powerful. I think it only seems powerful because it's so
rarely challenged. I think Deval was absolutely on target when
at the Democratic state nominating convention he urged us to put
down our cynicism. I think we *can* change the political climate
and frame the political discussion in a productive way. But we
have to try; we have to work at it.
--Carl O.
Middleborough by the numbers
There are some interesting statistics for consideration (link below):
SCHOOLS
Grade plan PK-5, 6-8, 9-12
Number of students 2,561
Number of teachers 248
Cost per student (as of 2006) $9,938
H.S. grads to 4-yr. college 46%
H.S. grads to 2-yr. college 17%
http://www.wickedlocal.com/middleborough/town_info/x504736864
SCHOOLS
Grade plan PK-5, 6-8, 9-12
Number of students 2,561
Number of teachers 248
Cost per student (as of 2006) $9,938
H.S. grads to 4-yr. college 46%
H.S. grads to 2-yr. college 17%
http://www.wickedlocal.com/middleborough/town_info/x504736864
Casino Meeting
Speaking of the Casino/Resort....when the Tribe meets with state Middleboro will be there.
See: http://enterprise.southofboston.com/articles/2007/10/19/news/news/news15.txt
Where any elected officials from Middleboro there? I'm asking around.
__________________
Http://www.cranberrytimes.com
Thank you,
Bob Dunphy
Question Authority. But always raise your hand first!
Amherst Democratic Town Committee Casino Vote
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Meeting on October 18, 2007 , members of the Amherst Democratic Town Committee (ADTC) voted to support the League of Women Voters Massachusetts and local State Representative Ellen Story in their opposition to casino gambling in Massachusetts .
The ADTC resolution states that Governor Deval Patrick’s casino gambling proposal “would not promote tax equity, responsible budgeting, sustainable development practices, or a sustainable revenue source, and likely would damage small businesses and agriculture in Western Massachusetts .”
The resolution also stated that the Governor’s casino proposal “represents a missed opportunity to advocate for a more equitable tax system” in Massachusetts .
ADTC member Leo Maley brought the resolution to the Committee. Following an hour-long discussion, the resolution passed by a vote of 13 to 2.
“It was a lively and informative discussion. Committee members came to the meeting well-informed on the subject. Most members had read the very informative materials prepared by the League of Women Voters Massachusetts concerning the economic and social effects of casino gambling,” Maley noted. “It is great to see this level of knowledge and passion concerning such an important issue at the grass roots of the Democratic party.”
“Many Committee members expressed their disappointment in Governor Patrick,” Maley noted. “Only one Committee member expressed support for Governor Deval Patrick’s casino proposal. Most Committee members were passionately opposed to the Governor’s plan,” Maley noted.
Maley, a community and political organizer, notes that he strongly supported Deval Patrick in last year’s Democratic primary and general elections and that many ADTC members had campaigned hard for Patrick.
“ Amherst voted 84 percent for Deval Patrick in a three-way Democratic primary and again by 84 percent in the general election,” Maley noted. “ADTC members helped lead the effort for Deval Patrick in Western Massachusetts .”
Maley noted that “The Governor has done many wonderful things since he’s been in office. I continue to support him. However, it is unfortunate to see the Governor so out of step with his core supporters on this very important issue.”
Maley can be reached for comment by phone at 413-262-0630 or by email at leomaley3@hotmail. com
Text of the ADTC casino resolution follows:
Amherst Democratic Town Committee
October 18, 2007
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS the platform of the Massachusetts Democratic Party commits the party to “tax equity and responsible budgeting,” “special support for small businesses and agriculture,” “sustainable development practices to foster economic stability for both urban and rural cities and towns,” and the provision of “a sustainable revenue source to finance state government that support a healthy economy;”
WHEREAS casino gambling would not promote tax equity, responsible budgeting, sustainable development practices, or a sustainable revenue source, and likely would damage small businesses and agriculture in Western Massachusetts ;
WHEREAS the Governor’s proposal for casinos in Massachusetts represents a missed opportunity to advocate for a more equitable tax system; and
WHEREAS the League of Women Voters Massachusetts and Representative Ellen Story have been consistent and forthright in their advocacy for more equitable taxation and their opposition to casino gambling;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Amherst Democratic Town Committee supports the League of Women Voters Massachusetts and Representative Story in their opposition to casino gambling in Massachusetts and in their commitment to a more equitable system of taxation for residents of the Commonwealth.
Motion made by Leo Maley.
Motion seconded by Diana Stein.
Motion, as amended, passed by a vote of 13 to 2 with 0 abstentions.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Special Town Meeting Warrant posted for NOV 5TH STM
Middleboro STM warrant now on Cranberry Times
http://cranberrytimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10&Itemid=2
Thank you,
Bob Dunphy
Question Authority. But always raise your hand first!
http://cranberrytimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10&Itemid=2
Thank you,
Bob Dunphy
Question Authority. But always raise your hand first!
Public Disclosure of Confidential Information
Since the disclosure of confidential information
has been a recent topic in Middleboro, a review of
the incidents and actions taken by the Commonwealth
in response provide some insight.
The following information appears on the web site of the
Division of Professional Licensure, Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and may be of interest to some regarding the distribution
of confidential information and recommended steps to address the
disclosure:
Letter From the Director
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the Division of Professional Licensure
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Notice to Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) and Division of Health Professions Licensure (DHPL) Licensees
DPL regrets to inform you that the social security numbers of a number of DPL and DHPL licensees were inadvertently included on computer disks mailed to individuals seeking publicly available information about DPL and DHPL licensees. The professions licensed by DPL and DHPL that are affected by this notice are listed below, followed by a list of those unaffected. Even as to the affected professions, please be aware that the disks containing your social security numbers have been recovered, except for Nursing Home Administrators. The intended recipient of the disk for that board has agreed to return the disk. Moreover, there is no indication that any social security number has been stolen or used by anyone.
The following professions are AFFECTED:
- Aestheticians
- Advanced Practice Nurses
- Allied Health Professions
- Athletic Trainers
- Audiologist Assistants
- Audiologists
- Cosmetologists
- Engineers
- Hairdressers
- Land Surveyors
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Manicurists
- Nursing Home Administrators
- Occupational Therapist Assistants - Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapy Facilities
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Podiatrists
- Psychologist
- Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons
- Registered Nurses
- Speech Pathologist Assistants
- Speech Pathologists
- Veterinarians
Nature of the Incident
Beginning on or about September 13, 2007, and continuing until September 17, 2007, and in response to public records requests for publicly available information such as the name and address of DPL licensees, DPL mailed computer disks that not only contained publicly available information but also inadvertently included social security numbers. DPL mailed a total of 28 such computer disks to 23 individuals. It appears that the 28 disks at issue erroneously included social security numbers as a result of a programming error and the upgrading of computer hardware and software. DHPL has an agreement with DPL under which DPL performs its information technology activities with respect to the Division of Health Professional Boards. Therefore, DPL was responding to public requests on behalf of DHPL.
Steps Taken to Recover Disks
27 of the 28 disks have been recovered. On September 18, 2007, DPL began immediate steps to recover the disks. All of the disks sent to individuals in Massachusetts and New Hampshire were recovered within a few days. The disks sent to individuals in other states also have been promptly recovered, except for one disk. This disk contains the social security numbers of individuals licensed by the Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators. An extensive search has been made for the disk and DPL will continue to make every effort to recover this disk. The intended recipient of the disk has agreed to return it. Everyone who returned the disks stated that he or she did not retain any information from these disks. DPL has twenty signed certifications from individuals returning disks, indicating that they did not copy or download any information from the disks, or if they downloaded the information, it has since been deleted. DPL is continuing to seek such certifications from the other recipients of the disks. None of the individuals who received the disks has indicated that they were even aware the disks contained social security information.
Steps You Should Take to Protect Your Identity in These Circumstances
Place a fraud alert on your credit. You can do so by calling one of the major credit reporting agencies at the following numbers:
Equifax 800-525-6285,
Experian 888-397-3742,
TransUnion 800-680-7289.
Placing an alert on your credit is free and stays in effect for ninety days.
Monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity
Keep a list of all your credit and bank accounts in a secure place with phone numbers of customer service so you can quickly contact them if you notice suspicious account activity.
Order credit reports periodically and check for any unauthorized activity.
M.G.L. c.93H, §3
Under M. G. L. c. 93H, §3, a new law that will go into effect October 31, 2007, DPL will be required in these circumstances to provide you with information regarding your right to obtain a police report regarding this incident, how you can request a security freeze from consumer reporting agencies, and the fees associated therewith. However, this information is not yet available. As soon as it is available, it will be posted on DPL’s website at www.mass.gov/dpl.
Obtaining Further Information
A written list of likely questions and answers that you may have is set out below this notice. You may also seek additional information by e-mailing DPL at reg.director@state.ma.us. Telephone inquiries can be directed to (617) 973-8100, between 8 and 5, Monday through Friday. DPL will make every effort to assist you.
DPL apologizes for any inconvenience this matter may cause you and will make every effort to assist you in addressing any concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
George K. Weber
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ocaterminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Our+Agencies+and+Divisions&L3=Division+of+Professional+Licensure&L4=Information+and+Services&L5=Data+Security+Alert+-+Important+Information&sid=Eoca&b=terminalcontent&f=dpl_data_security_info_letter&csid=Eoca
has been a recent topic in Middleboro, a review of
the incidents and actions taken by the Commonwealth
in response provide some insight.
The following information appears on the web site of the
Division of Professional Licensure, Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and may be of interest to some regarding the distribution
of confidential information and recommended steps to address the
disclosure:
Letter From the Director
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the Division of Professional Licensure
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Notice to Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) and Division of Health Professions Licensure (DHPL) Licensees
DPL regrets to inform you that the social security numbers of a number of DPL and DHPL licensees were inadvertently included on computer disks mailed to individuals seeking publicly available information about DPL and DHPL licensees. The professions licensed by DPL and DHPL that are affected by this notice are listed below, followed by a list of those unaffected. Even as to the affected professions, please be aware that the disks containing your social security numbers have been recovered, except for Nursing Home Administrators. The intended recipient of the disk for that board has agreed to return the disk. Moreover, there is no indication that any social security number has been stolen or used by anyone.
The following professions are AFFECTED:
- Aestheticians
- Advanced Practice Nurses
- Allied Health Professions
- Athletic Trainers
- Audiologist Assistants
- Audiologists
- Cosmetologists
- Engineers
- Hairdressers
- Land Surveyors
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Manicurists
- Nursing Home Administrators
- Occupational Therapist Assistants - Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapy Facilities
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Podiatrists
- Psychologist
- Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons
- Registered Nurses
- Speech Pathologist Assistants
- Speech Pathologists
- Veterinarians
Nature of the Incident
Beginning on or about September 13, 2007, and continuing until September 17, 2007, and in response to public records requests for publicly available information such as the name and address of DPL licensees, DPL mailed computer disks that not only contained publicly available information but also inadvertently included social security numbers. DPL mailed a total of 28 such computer disks to 23 individuals. It appears that the 28 disks at issue erroneously included social security numbers as a result of a programming error and the upgrading of computer hardware and software. DHPL has an agreement with DPL under which DPL performs its information technology activities with respect to the Division of Health Professional Boards. Therefore, DPL was responding to public requests on behalf of DHPL.
Steps Taken to Recover Disks
27 of the 28 disks have been recovered. On September 18, 2007, DPL began immediate steps to recover the disks. All of the disks sent to individuals in Massachusetts and New Hampshire were recovered within a few days. The disks sent to individuals in other states also have been promptly recovered, except for one disk. This disk contains the social security numbers of individuals licensed by the Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators. An extensive search has been made for the disk and DPL will continue to make every effort to recover this disk. The intended recipient of the disk has agreed to return it. Everyone who returned the disks stated that he or she did not retain any information from these disks. DPL has twenty signed certifications from individuals returning disks, indicating that they did not copy or download any information from the disks, or if they downloaded the information, it has since been deleted. DPL is continuing to seek such certifications from the other recipients of the disks. None of the individuals who received the disks has indicated that they were even aware the disks contained social security information.
Steps You Should Take to Protect Your Identity in These Circumstances
Place a fraud alert on your credit. You can do so by calling one of the major credit reporting agencies at the following numbers:
Equifax 800-525-6285,
Experian 888-397-3742,
TransUnion 800-680-7289.
Placing an alert on your credit is free and stays in effect for ninety days.
Monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity
Keep a list of all your credit and bank accounts in a secure place with phone numbers of customer service so you can quickly contact them if you notice suspicious account activity.
Order credit reports periodically and check for any unauthorized activity.
M.G.L. c.93H, §3
Under M. G. L. c. 93H, §3, a new law that will go into effect October 31, 2007, DPL will be required in these circumstances to provide you with information regarding your right to obtain a police report regarding this incident, how you can request a security freeze from consumer reporting agencies, and the fees associated therewith. However, this information is not yet available. As soon as it is available, it will be posted on DPL’s website at www.mass.gov/dpl.
Obtaining Further Information
A written list of likely questions and answers that you may have is set out below this notice. You may also seek additional information by e-mailing DPL at reg.director@state.ma.us. Telephone inquiries can be directed to (617) 973-8100, between 8 and 5, Monday through Friday. DPL will make every effort to assist you.
DPL apologizes for any inconvenience this matter may cause you and will make every effort to assist you in addressing any concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
George K. Weber
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ocaterminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Our+Agencies+and+Divisions&L3=Division+of+Professional+Licensure&L4=Information+and+Services&L5=Data+Security+Alert+-+Important+Information&sid=Eoca&b=terminalcontent&f=dpl_data_security_info_letter&csid=Eoca
Public Records & Disclosure
For the sake of enlightening and informing,
below you will find information and a link
regarding 'PUBLIC RECORDS.'
The founding fathers of our nation strove
to develop an open government formed on
the principles of democracy and public
participation. An informed citizen is better
equipped to participate in that process.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has
had a law mandating the disclosure of
public records since 1851.
What records are public?
Every document, paper, record, map, photograph, etc., as defined by law, that
is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a
public record.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law provides that every person has a right
of access to public information.1 This right of access includes the right to
inspect, copy or have copies of records provided upon the payment of a
reasonable fee.2
The Massachusetts General Laws broadly define “public records” to include
“all books, papers, maps, photographs, recorded tapes, financial statements,
statistical tabulations, or other documentary materials or data, regardless of
physical form or characteristics, made or received by any officer or employee”
of any Massachusetts governmental entity.
http://www.mma.org/images/stories/AbtLocalGov/public_records_guide.pdf
below you will find information and a link
regarding 'PUBLIC RECORDS.'
The founding fathers of our nation strove
to develop an open government formed on
the principles of democracy and public
participation. An informed citizen is better
equipped to participate in that process.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has
had a law mandating the disclosure of
public records since 1851.
What records are public?
Every document, paper, record, map, photograph, etc., as defined by law, that
is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a
public record.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law provides that every person has a right
of access to public information.1 This right of access includes the right to
inspect, copy or have copies of records provided upon the payment of a
reasonable fee.2
The Massachusetts General Laws broadly define “public records” to include
“all books, papers, maps, photographs, recorded tapes, financial statements,
statistical tabulations, or other documentary materials or data, regardless of
physical form or characteristics, made or received by any officer or employee”
of any Massachusetts governmental entity.
http://www.mma.org/images/stories/AbtLocalGov/public_records_guide.pdf
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Mashpee Wampanoag History
Some might find the information provided in the links interersting:
What is a tribe? by: Bob
Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 13:39:02 PM EDT
This may particularly interest those of you focused on the recent casino gambling vote. The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities reminds us that on this day in 1978, a trial began on Cape Cod to determine whether the Mashpee Indians met the legal definition of a tribe.
If they did, they could sue for the return of land granted to them in 1685. With huge amounts of undeveloped land at stake, Mashpee's non-Indian residents hired lawyers. The defense argued that the Mashpee Wampanoag had intermarried with so many different groups over the years that they were no longer genetically the same people as the original Mashpee. The lawyers also claimed that the Mashpee had not maintained their traditions. After a 40-day trial, the judge declared that the Mashpee Wampanoag did not meet the legal definition of a tribe and therefore had no standing to sue. The case was dismissed.
Native Americans screwed again, it sounds like to me. In any event, the story continues:
The Mashpee lost the case but did not abandon the effort to reclaim their land. In 1990 they petitioned the U.S. government for recognition as a tribe. On March 31, 2006, after a 31-year struggle, the 1,468-member tribe finally won preliminary recognition. The Globe reported that the announcement "was greeted with tears, howls of jubilation, and the beating of drums by tribal members. 'We've been waiting so long,'" one 89-year-old Wampanoag sobbed.
Click here for the full story, from the Foundation. It is interesting reading.
http://bluemassgroup.com/frontPage.do
I am going to MDA JAIL Today !! Please Help Me Reach My Goal!!!
Posted in support of a worthwhile community goal:
At 1:00pm today I will be incarcerated at the Fireside Grill as part of MDA's Middleboro/Lakeville Lock-Up to help "Jerry's Kids®". To reach my goal I need your help!
I'd like to include you or your company on my list of contributors who are helping me reach my goal. Your donation would help MDA continue the important fight against muscular dystrophy. Check out my web page by clicking on the link above. There you'll find all kinds of information about MDA, and be able to make your tax-deductible donation on-line using your credit card.
MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer camp for kids. MDA also funds research grants to help find treatments and cures for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all ages, right here in our community.
I sincerely hope that you'll take the opportunity to support MDA. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me.
On behalf of the families MDA serves, thank you!
Warmest Regards,
Bob Dunphy
Click here to visit my Participant Page.
If the link above does not bring you to my Participant Page, cut and paste the address below into the address bar of your internet browser.
https://www.mdaevent.org/ParticipantInfo.aspx?j=ba275c40-d87b-440a-8d09-22fa64c8a2d3
Thank you,
Bob Dunphy
At 1:00pm today I will be incarcerated at the Fireside Grill as part of MDA's Middleboro/Lakeville Lock-Up to help "Jerry's Kids®". To reach my goal I need your help!
I'd like to include you or your company on my list of contributors who are helping me reach my goal. Your donation would help MDA continue the important fight against muscular dystrophy. Check out my web page by clicking on the link above. There you'll find all kinds of information about MDA, and be able to make your tax-deductible donation on-line using your credit card.
MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer camp for kids. MDA also funds research grants to help find treatments and cures for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all ages, right here in our community.
I sincerely hope that you'll take the opportunity to support MDA. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me.
On behalf of the families MDA serves, thank you!
Warmest Regards,
Bob Dunphy
Click here to visit my Participant Page.
If the link above does not bring you to my Participant Page, cut and paste the address below into the address bar of your internet browser.
https://www.mdaevent.org/ParticipantInfo.aspx?j=ba275c40-d87b-440a-8d09-22fa64c8a2d3
Thank you,
Bob Dunphy
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
10/15 Selectmen's Meeting & Confidential Information
Recently, when requesting public documents, I received confidential information.
Not realizing the content, I then distributed same electronically.
When the issue was called to my attention, action was immediately taken by me to correct and address the issue.
I hand-delivered letters to both the Middleboro Town Clerk and the Board of Selectmen.
I mailed a letter to the individual to notify him so that he might take necessary action to protect himself and reduce the town's liability.
During the 10/15 Selectmen's Meeting, the determination appears to be that the interim Town Manager will review requested information prior to public distribution.
The entire discussion overlooked that the Selectmen included a CORI Agreement within a town employee's contract. The sequentially numbered pages clearly indicate it was included as Page 7 of 7. Why didn’t the board address the poor construction of the contract? They could have stated that this was an unfortunate accident. To correct it in the future CORIs will be required, but the personal information will not be included in the contract.
They missed a chance to correct a flawed policy.
Private industry, non-profits, churches, day care, public corporations, as a matter of routine, request CORI checks on individuals for a wide range of reasons.
Meticulous care is taken to retain that information separate from other documents.
The lack of a formal written policy might as well be to blame.
That the Board instead faults the Town Clerk or myself defines their willingness to blame others instead of correcting flawed policy.
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committeed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
Not realizing the content, I then distributed same electronically.
When the issue was called to my attention, action was immediately taken by me to correct and address the issue.
I hand-delivered letters to both the Middleboro Town Clerk and the Board of Selectmen.
I mailed a letter to the individual to notify him so that he might take necessary action to protect himself and reduce the town's liability.
During the 10/15 Selectmen's Meeting, the determination appears to be that the interim Town Manager will review requested information prior to public distribution.
The entire discussion overlooked that the Selectmen included a CORI Agreement within a town employee's contract. The sequentially numbered pages clearly indicate it was included as Page 7 of 7. Why didn’t the board address the poor construction of the contract? They could have stated that this was an unfortunate accident. To correct it in the future CORIs will be required, but the personal information will not be included in the contract.
They missed a chance to correct a flawed policy.
Private industry, non-profits, churches, day care, public corporations, as a matter of routine, request CORI checks on individuals for a wide range of reasons.
Meticulous care is taken to retain that information separate from other documents.
The lack of a formal written policy might as well be to blame.
That the Board instead faults the Town Clerk or myself defines their willingness to blame others instead of correcting flawed policy.
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committeed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
10/15 Selectmen's Meeting & Chapter 61
In the course of reading the DOR Report, reference was
made to establishing 'proceedures' for certain recurring
tasks.
Those tasks don't seem important, but the lack of
written 'proceedures' does seem to continually hamper
the smooth transmission of information and decision-
making process.
One of those recurring tasks has been addressed at
each of the Selectmen's Meetings for the last two weeks
and that is Chapter Land. Allow me to offer a simplified
explanation without too much legal complexity.
For those unfamiliar with the designation, land is placed
under Chapter 61 'protection' for a number of reasons.
The intent of Chapter 61 is to encourage the preservation
of land being used for certain purposes, including agricultural and
forestry, by reducing the real estate taxes that were assessed
on that land.
The details of Chapter 61 are available on the state web site:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-61-toc.htm
Large parcels of land in Middleboro have been preserved because
of Chapter 61. In essence, Chapter 61 has create the 'Rural
Character' some moved to Middleboro to enjoy.
It is interesting to note that when consideration is given to the
tax 'impact,' Chapter 61 land, in spite of its reduced tax payments,
actually provides a high return for the services rendered.
When one considers that a field of corn or an acre of trees doesn't
send a child to school or use the library, it is easy to understand
the tax equation. The greatest impact on your tax dollar is
from the education cost of residential construction.
Several interesting studies have been done that should be posted
on the Town's Web Site.
When land is removed from Chapter 61, the Assessors notify the
Board of Selectmen who have 120 days to act.
The Town has the right of first refusal to purchase the property.
The Board of Selectmen SHOULD HAVE an automatic policy
in place that notifies the: Town Planner, Conservation Commission,
Water Department, Historical Commission, School Department,
among others, immediately, for review of the potential of the
importance of the parcel.
That the Board of Selectmen do not have a written proceedure in
place caused a flurry of activity over the sale and development of
a parcel that has the potential as a well site in South Middleboro.
Until test wells are drilled, no one can make that determination
on that particular parcel.
At the 10/15 Selectmen's Meeting, the Board was confronted with
another parcel being withdrawn from Chapter 61 and, because no
written proceedure exists, the Board again was unable to make
an informed decision.
While the parcel under consideration was only ~10 acres, the Board
seemed content to accept Selectman Perkins' decision that the
parcel was of no interest to the Town.
With no written proccedure in place to solicit the opinions of other
departments, can we be assured of arriving at a well-considered
decision?
Doesn't it make sense to have a written proceedure that says:
If A then B ?
Allowing just one member of the Board to evaluate the potential
abdicates the Board's responsibility to the Town as a whole and
risks the sale of a parcel that might be of merit to another department.
That the Board allows one member to formulate a decision
is just poor policy.
This matter was initially discussed 2 months earlier. Did someone forget about it?
Enterprise article regarding 8/07/07 BOS Meeting:
In other action Monday night, selectmen are considering purchasing two parcels of land off Spruce Street for a well site. The first parcel, with a cost of $2 million, includes 44.87 acres and is owned by David L. and Joanne B. Gates. The second parcel, at a cost of $700,000, includes 90 acres and is owned by Walter Burr. If not purchased by the town, the land would be converted to residential use.
http://enterprise.southofboston.com/articles/2007/08/07/news/news/news11.txt
made to establishing 'proceedures' for certain recurring
tasks.
Those tasks don't seem important, but the lack of
written 'proceedures' does seem to continually hamper
the smooth transmission of information and decision-
making process.
One of those recurring tasks has been addressed at
each of the Selectmen's Meetings for the last two weeks
and that is Chapter Land. Allow me to offer a simplified
explanation without too much legal complexity.
For those unfamiliar with the designation, land is placed
under Chapter 61 'protection' for a number of reasons.
The intent of Chapter 61 is to encourage the preservation
of land being used for certain purposes, including agricultural and
forestry, by reducing the real estate taxes that were assessed
on that land.
The details of Chapter 61 are available on the state web site:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-61-toc.htm
Large parcels of land in Middleboro have been preserved because
of Chapter 61. In essence, Chapter 61 has create the 'Rural
Character' some moved to Middleboro to enjoy.
It is interesting to note that when consideration is given to the
tax 'impact,' Chapter 61 land, in spite of its reduced tax payments,
actually provides a high return for the services rendered.
When one considers that a field of corn or an acre of trees doesn't
send a child to school or use the library, it is easy to understand
the tax equation. The greatest impact on your tax dollar is
from the education cost of residential construction.
Several interesting studies have been done that should be posted
on the Town's Web Site.
When land is removed from Chapter 61, the Assessors notify the
Board of Selectmen who have 120 days to act.
The Town has the right of first refusal to purchase the property.
The Board of Selectmen SHOULD HAVE an automatic policy
in place that notifies the: Town Planner, Conservation Commission,
Water Department, Historical Commission, School Department,
among others, immediately, for review of the potential of the
importance of the parcel.
That the Board of Selectmen do not have a written proceedure in
place caused a flurry of activity over the sale and development of
a parcel that has the potential as a well site in South Middleboro.
Until test wells are drilled, no one can make that determination
on that particular parcel.
At the 10/15 Selectmen's Meeting, the Board was confronted with
another parcel being withdrawn from Chapter 61 and, because no
written proceedure exists, the Board again was unable to make
an informed decision.
While the parcel under consideration was only ~10 acres, the Board
seemed content to accept Selectman Perkins' decision that the
parcel was of no interest to the Town.
With no written proccedure in place to solicit the opinions of other
departments, can we be assured of arriving at a well-considered
decision?
Doesn't it make sense to have a written proceedure that says:
If A then B ?
Allowing just one member of the Board to evaluate the potential
abdicates the Board's responsibility to the Town as a whole and
risks the sale of a parcel that might be of merit to another department.
That the Board allows one member to formulate a decision
is just poor policy.
This matter was initially discussed 2 months earlier. Did someone forget about it?
Enterprise article regarding 8/07/07 BOS Meeting:
In other action Monday night, selectmen are considering purchasing two parcels of land off Spruce Street for a well site. The first parcel, with a cost of $2 million, includes 44.87 acres and is owned by David L. and Joanne B. Gates. The second parcel, at a cost of $700,000, includes 90 acres and is owned by Walter Burr. If not purchased by the town, the land would be converted to residential use.
http://enterprise.southofboston.com/articles/2007/08/07/news/news/news11.txt
Monday, October 15, 2007
Have you taken the poll?
On the right side of the screen, there is a poll.
The current question is:
I think my town goverment is doing a.....
Great job
Good job some of the time
Not causing harm
Poor job some of the time
Poor job
I don' care
http://cranberrytimes.com/
The current question is:
I think my town goverment is doing a.....
Great job
Good job some of the time
Not causing harm
Poor job some of the time
Poor job
I don' care
http://cranberrytimes.com/
Sunday, October 14, 2007
I could tell you ....
I could tell you ways in which the Town of Middleboro could save money, improve efficiency and smooth the transfer of information using technology, but you wouldn't believe me.
Most is self-evident.
Just watch.
But please refer, yet again to the DOR Report. OMG!
Didn't they observe that other towns post commonly used forms on their web sites?
What would that save?
In simple terms ---
A friend recently travelled to the Assessors' Office to request a form to put a Homestead on her property rather than travel to Plymouth. The form wasn't available in Middleboro, so she went to Carver, where it was available.
If that form had been available on the Middleboro Web Site, it would have reduced traffic to the Assessors' Office.
Dog licenses are maintained on manual file cards.
Doesn't that mean that the list of unlicensed dogs is manually extracted?
Why aren't they in the computer?
(The Town Clerk is appointed by the BOS.)
If you want copies from the Assessors' Office, a Town employee must make the copy for you. If you go to the Registry of Deeds, copy machines accept change and you can make your own copies for a greater price than Middleboro charges.
How many telephone calls could be eliminated if information was posted on the Town's Web Site? How many pedestrian visits could be eliminated?
And hand-written receipts in the Town Clerk's Office? Isn't that self-evident? How many years ago was a cash register discussed?
Can't you just hear 'Been that way for 100 years, Maude!' ?
There's more. Comments?
Most is self-evident.
Just watch.
But please refer, yet again to the DOR Report. OMG!
Didn't they observe that other towns post commonly used forms on their web sites?
What would that save?
In simple terms ---
A friend recently travelled to the Assessors' Office to request a form to put a Homestead on her property rather than travel to Plymouth. The form wasn't available in Middleboro, so she went to Carver, where it was available.
If that form had been available on the Middleboro Web Site, it would have reduced traffic to the Assessors' Office.
Dog licenses are maintained on manual file cards.
Doesn't that mean that the list of unlicensed dogs is manually extracted?
Why aren't they in the computer?
(The Town Clerk is appointed by the BOS.)
If you want copies from the Assessors' Office, a Town employee must make the copy for you. If you go to the Registry of Deeds, copy machines accept change and you can make your own copies for a greater price than Middleboro charges.
How many telephone calls could be eliminated if information was posted on the Town's Web Site? How many pedestrian visits could be eliminated?
And hand-written receipts in the Town Clerk's Office? Isn't that self-evident? How many years ago was a cash register discussed?
Can't you just hear 'Been that way for 100 years, Maude!' ?
There's more. Comments?
Middleboro ALS Cluster
On August 29, 2007, a forum of experts was present in the Selectmen's
Meeting Room to address the issue.
NOT ONE SINGLE MIDDLEBORO SELECTMEN WAS PRESENT.
Rep. Tom Calter was present.
The following are recent comments about the ALS cluster
and hazardous waste sites for those who are interested:
http://wbztv. com/local/ local_story_ 281143021. html
http://www.alsforum s.com/forum/ showthread. php?t=3748
http://www.rideforl ife.com/news/ als_news/ study_to_ look_at_als_ cluster.html
http://www.als. net/forum/ topic.asp? TOPIC_ID= 1960
http://www.care2. com/news/ member/464062319 /503022
http://www.telegram .com/article/ 20071007/ NEWS/710070518/ 1052/NEWSREWIND
http://www.iht. com/articles/ 2007/10/07/ news/cluster. php
http://neurotalk. psychcentral. com/showthread. php?p=155515
http://home. goulburn. net.au/~shack/ organophosphates .htm
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committeed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
Meeting Room to address the issue.
NOT ONE SINGLE MIDDLEBORO SELECTMEN WAS PRESENT.
Rep. Tom Calter was present.
The following are recent comments about the ALS cluster
and hazardous waste sites for those who are interested:
http://wbztv. com/local/ local_story_ 281143021. html
http://www.alsforum s.com/forum/ showthread. php?t=3748
http://www.rideforl ife.com/news/ als_news/ study_to_ look_at_als_ cluster.html
http://www.als. net/forum/ topic.asp? TOPIC_ID= 1960
http://www.care2. com/news/ member/464062319 /503022
http://www.telegram .com/article/ 20071007/ NEWS/710070518/ 1052/NEWSREWIND
http://www.iht. com/articles/ 2007/10/07/ news/cluster. php
http://neurotalk. psychcentral. com/showthread. php?p=155515
http://home. goulburn. net.au/~shack/ organophosphates .htm
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committeed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
Globe: Executives thwarted rival tribe for casino
Just remember that Middleboro receives $7 MILLION.
The following appeared on Boston.com:
Headline: Executives thwarted rival tribe for casino
Date: October 14, 2007
"Executives negotiating to open a lavish Mashpee Wampanoag casino in
Middleborough last year simultaneously waged a very different effort
just 40 miles away, spending millions to defeat a potential rival
Indian casino in Rhode Island by warning voters of gambling's social
and economic dangers."
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ ___
http://www.boston. com/news/ local/massachuse tts/articles/ 2007/10/14/ executives_ thwarted_ rival_tribe_ for_casino? p1=email_ to_a_friend\
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committeed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
__._,_.___
The following appeared on Boston.com:
Headline: Executives thwarted rival tribe for casino
Date: October 14, 2007
"Executives negotiating to open a lavish Mashpee Wampanoag casino in
Middleborough last year simultaneously waged a very different effort
just 40 miles away, spending millions to defeat a potential rival
Indian casino in Rhode Island by warning voters of gambling's social
and economic dangers."
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ ___
http://www.boston. com/news/ local/massachuse tts/articles/ 2007/10/14/ executives_ thwarted_ rival_tribe_ for_casino? p1=email_ to_a_friend\
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committeed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
__._,_.___
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Energy & Differing Opinions
In the course of meeting residents of Middleboro in the last year, there were are number of recurring themes criticizing the BOS.
Contrary to what most are thinking, one of those themes was ENERGY and Global Warming.
Some folks noticed the failure of the BOS to even mention ENERGY, much less reduce the Town's use of energy.
With oil at + $80/ barrel and climbing, homeowners are hit with the double whammy of their own rising costs and the town's.
Little noticed by my attackers was that I had written much about ENERGY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY and alternatives.
Comments, anyone?
Contrary to what most are thinking, one of those themes was ENERGY and Global Warming.
Some folks noticed the failure of the BOS to even mention ENERGY, much less reduce the Town's use of energy.
With oil at + $80/ barrel and climbing, homeowners are hit with the double whammy of their own rising costs and the town's.
Little noticed by my attackers was that I had written much about ENERGY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY and alternatives.
Comments, anyone?
Friday, October 12, 2007
FYI -- Middleboro Town Counsel
Selectmen's Meeting Minutes:
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JANUARY 29, 2007
Discussion ensued on the FY08 proposed Law Budget. Selectwoman Brunelle asked the Board’s Secretary to contact Town Counsel to see if he anticipates any additional cases.
Discussion ensued on Town Counsel’s budget of $150/hour.
Upon motion by Selectman Andrews and seconded by Selectman Spataro, the Board
VOTED: To direct the Board’s Secretary to canvas 10 surrounding communities to see what they pay for Town Counsel services.
Unanimous Vote.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/January%20Minutes/January%202007/January%2029,%202007.mht
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2007
OTHER
Town Counsel’s Budget
Selectman Andrews noted that the Board’s Secretary had provided information regarding costs for Town Counsel from surrounding communities. He said he was satisfied that Middleboro is in line with other towns.
Selectman Bond suggested the Board “google” Benefits of Inhouse Counsel. He said restructuring the way legal services are performed in town could save up to 6-figures.
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JANUARY 29, 2007
Discussion ensued on the FY08 proposed Law Budget. Selectwoman Brunelle asked the Board’s Secretary to contact Town Counsel to see if he anticipates any additional cases.
Discussion ensued on Town Counsel’s budget of $150/hour.
Upon motion by Selectman Andrews and seconded by Selectman Spataro, the Board
VOTED: To direct the Board’s Secretary to canvas 10 surrounding communities to see what they pay for Town Counsel services.
Unanimous Vote.
http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/January%20Minutes/January%202007/January%2029,%202007.mht
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2007
OTHER
Town Counsel’s Budget
Selectman Andrews noted that the Board’s Secretary had provided information regarding costs for Town Counsel from surrounding communities. He said he was satisfied that Middleboro is in line with other towns.
Selectman Bond suggested the Board “google” Benefits of Inhouse Counsel. He said restructuring the way legal services are performed in town could save up to 6-figures.
