James Stanton, Chair
Roger Deal, Vice Chairman Kenneth Sydow, Clerk
The Board of Selectmen is pleased to present to the residents of Boylston our Annual Report for the year 2007. The Board has issued all necessary permits and licenses as required by the Statutes. All state and federal certificates were filed as required and the necessary appointments were made. All business to come before the Board was handled in the best interest of the Town and its residents.
The composition of the Board remained unchanged in the year 2007. In May Selectman Ken Sydow ran for re-election, challenged by newcomer Carrie Niemac. Both candidates had enthusiastic supporters throughout the campaigning process. Mr. Sydow was the ultimate victor and will continue to serve another three-year term through May of 2010.
In February 2007, Town Administrator Suzanne Olsen announced her retirement, planned for March 2008. The Board would like to thank Sue for her valuable time and dedication while she served as Town Administrator, and wishes her the best in her future endeavors.
The Board continues to face the challenge of balancing the Town’s long-term development with the needs of residents. New growth was limited in 2007, and a much needed 40B development was abandoned due to a recently discovered protective buffer zone applied by National Heritage Endangered Species Program (“NHESP”). The buffer zone to protect the Wood Turtle cut into Horizon Partners’ original plan to build 32 units on Sewall Street (gravel pit), and ultimately a solution could not be reached. As a result, the sale of the Town-owned Sewall Street parcel did not go through. Additionally, an incoming business that purchased land on Main Street decided, very late into the permitting process, to locate in another town. However, plans for a new Rand-Whitney building on Route 140 continue to move
along, and a multi-tenant retail building at 81 Shrewsbury Street (Rte. 140) is nearing completion. Additional tax revenue will eventually be realized as these and other business and commercial developments are welcomed to Town.
Under the new leadership of Superintendent Joseph Connelly, the School Administration presented a three-year budget plan to the Selectmen. This was the result of many hours of work and communication between Dr. Connelly, Business Manager John Roy, the school committees and principals. Tahanto Regional High School has been selected by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”) to be considered for renovation or rebuilding. The process to move along with the evaluation continues with the MSBA. The Board continues to support our schools in any way possible, and is grateful to Dr. Connelly for his guidance and direction during his tenure as Superintendent in Boylston.
Regular quarterly meetings with Town departments, boards and committees has been beneficial in keeping members and department heads up to date and informed on various topics. These meetings provide an opportunity to inform others of essential happenings and developments, and also allow for interaction in a group setting that is not otherwise likely due to varying schedules and meetings. The Board plans to continue these quarterly update meetings throughout 2008.
Meanwhile, Boylston is fortunate to have many volunteers who dedicate their time and knowledge by participating on boards and committees that govern a variety of topics in Town. These talented individuals are an absolute essential in keeping our municipal government viable, and our boards and committees are doing an exceptional job in their respected areas. Some vacancies exist, and we encourage anyone interested in volunteering for any board or committee to complete the “Volunteer to Serve” form in the back of this report and submit it to the Selectmen’s office.
The Board of Selectmen meets every other Monday at 6:30 PM, (unless otherwise specified), with the exception of holidays and the posted summer schedule. The Selectmen are here to serve your needs and welcome your attendance and inquiries at meetings.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant in the Selectmen’s office at 508-869-2093.
The Board of Selectmen held twenty-four (24) regular meetings, twenty-two (22) executive sessions and seventeen (17) special/emergency meetings in the year 2007 and their attendance was recorded as follows:
James Stanton: 24 of 24 regular meetings
22 of 22 executive sessions
17 of 17 special meetings
Roger Deal: 21 of 24 regular meetings
22 of 22 executive sessions
17 of 17 special meetings
Ken Sydow: 24 of 24 regular meetings
21 of 22 executive sessions
16 of 17 special meetings
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