MRPC Holds Hearing on Grant Proposal
Director of the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission Shelly Hatch appeared before the board as part of a public hearing about an upcoming regional grant proposal that could reach $1.2 million. The proposal, written on behalf of the towns of Harvard, Lancaster, Westminster, and Shirley, asks for grant money to fund two specific projects. The first component would be a mortgage foreclosure prevention program; the second would be a rehabilitation project aimed at repairing or replacing old or failed septic systems in homes near Bare Hill Pond.
Selectmen Hear DPW Complaints
Frank Carlson of Carlson Orchards spoke before the board, voicing his concern about the safe operation of snowplows and other heavy machinery in town. Citing the need to husband the town’s resources and carefully maintain its fleet, Carlson expressed his dismay about the number of incidents involving town vehicles in the past year. The selectmen said that they, too, are concerned about the issue and are actively involved in helping DPW Director Rich Nota improve the current situation through careful monitoring of staff and improved driver training. Town Administrator Tim Bragan added that town employees will now be taking part in driver snowplow training, provided by town insurance at no cost to taxpayers. “We are working to ensure that the reasons for these accidents don’t recur,” he said.
Selectmen Accept Final Draft of Municipal Buildings Report
The selectmen voted unanimously to accept the final draft of the Municipal Buildings Report, drafted by the Municipal Buildings Task Force this past year. The final revisions included an abbreviated abstract to be placed at the beginning of the report as a complement to the executive summary.
Normand, Johnston Resign
The selectmen accepted the resignation of Jackie Normand from the Harvard Community Cable Access Committee. They also accepted the resignation of Paul Johnston from the Devens Enterprise Commission. Bob Eubank expressed thanks on behalf of the town and gratitude for their service, noting that Normand has served on the Cable Access Committee for 13 years.
Jim Breslaur Replaces Otto Solbrig on Historical Commission
The selectmen accepted the resignation of Otto Solbrig of the Conservation Commission from his position on the Historical Commission, and appointed Jim Breslaur of the Conservation Commission to replace him.
Eleven EMTs Appointed to Harvard Ambulance Service
The selectmen unanimously appointed 11 new EMTs to the Harvard Ambulance Service. They are Ramae Philippou, Keeon Tabrizi, Sarah Cochrane, Casey Silver, Jesse Wolff, JP Messina, Jamie Kendall, Jonathan Mead, Harry Powell, Derrin Jarvis, and Anni Lierhaus.
