Amos was born on
Amos
graduated from
He is a familiar face as a volunteer at the
STATE AND NATIONAL OFFICIALS
Edward M. Kennedy
317 Russell Senate Office Building
2400
617/565-3170
John F. Kerry
304 Russell Senate Office Building
617/565-8519
1st Congressional District:
John W. Olver
978/342-8722
1111 Longworth House Office Bldg.
202/225-5335
State Officials
Gov. Duval Patrick
State House, Room 360
617/727-6250
Lt. Gov. Tim Murray
State House
Secretary of State William Francis Galvin
State House, Room 337
617/727-9180
State Treasurer
Timothy Cahill
State House, Room 227
617/367-6900
Senator (1st Middlesex District)
Steven Panagiotakos
State House Room 212
617/722-1630
Representative (1st Middlesex District)
Robert S. Hargraves
State House Room 237
617/722-2305
Attorney General
Martha Coakley
617/727-2200
617/727-2200
State Auditor
A. Joseph DeNucci
State House, Room 230
617/727-2075
District Attorney
Gerald T. Leone, Jr.
15 Commonwealth Avemue
781/897-8300
Sheriff –
James V. DiPaola
781/960-2800
ELECTED OFFICIALS
ASSESSORS
Michael T. Coffey 2010
Jon E. Kaiser 2009
R. Braybrook Walsh 2011
HEALTH, BOARD OF
Scott Butcher** 2009
Peter Cronin* 2010
John Marriner** 2009
Virginia Malouin 2009
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Bruce Campbell, State Appointee
Katherine L. Harris 2010
Ann O’Donnell 2012
Robert Russell 2013
Jerrilyn Bozicas 2011
LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Charles Burnham 2010
Mary Campano 2009
Margaret Kimball 2009
Amos Mahony 2011
Schuyler Minckler** 2009
Joan Wright* 2010
MODERATOR
Scott N. Blackburn 2009
NORTH MIDDLESEX REGIONAL
Anne E. Buchholz (At-large member) 2011
Sue C. Fitzgerald 2009
Kathy Low 2009
Tammy LeClerc (At-large member) 2011
Michael Morgan (At-large member) 2011
RECREATION COMMISSION
Lynne David 2011
David Priddle 2010
P. Derek Tenbroeck 2009
PLANNING BOARD
Nicholas Cate 2010
Dennis A. Kane 2013
Richard C. McHugh, Jr. 2009
Mark F. Marston 2012
Stephen Themelis 2011
Associate Member (appointed)
Steven Brittain 2009
PUBLIC WORKS, BOARD OF
George Clark* 2010
Greg Rice** 2009
Frederick Farmer 2009
Louis D. Shattuck 2011
Appointed Members:
Paul Tierney, Jr. 2009
Lewis Lunn 2010
SELECTMEN, BOARD OF
Patrick J. McNabb 2011
Lyndon B. Johnson 2009
Joseph A. Sergi 2010
TOWN CLERK
Lois Libby 2010
TREASURER/TAX COLLECTOR
Michael Hartnett 2009
TREE WARDEN
Peter Shattuck 2009
STAFF POSITIONS
ELECTED & APPOINTED BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, OFFICIALS
ACCOUNTANT
Theresa Walsh Town Accountant
Lyn
Sharpe
Den Connors Systems Administrator
ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
Susan J. Smith Assistant Assessor
Kevin Visnaskas Administrative Assessor
Jacqueline West Senior Clerk
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Ellen Fisher Conservation Administrator
BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
Toby
Susan H. Smith Secretary
BOARD OF HEALTH
Robin Hebert Animal Health Inspector
Robert Lambert Health Inspector
Kevin Ritchie Title V Inspector
Ellen Castellano District Nurse
Sandra Grogan Secretary
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Robert B. Hanson Town Administrator
Peggy Mazzola Administrative Assistant
Albert White Head Custodian
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
Susan H. Smith Assistant to the Inspectors
PLANNING BOARD
Susan Snyder Planning Administrator
RECREATION COMMISSION
Gail Bosworth Program Director
Jim Pantano Ski Program Director
Brendan McNabb Summer Program Director
Sue
Defillippo
Community Center Coordinator
Susanna Arthur* Director Adult Services
Tina McEvoy** Assistant Director
Shannon Brittain Library Technician
Sherrill Burgess Library Technician
Pam King Page
Sharon King Library Technician
Jessica Lewis Page
Patricia Payer Inter-Library Loans
Rob Renaud Custodian
Debra Spratt Library Director
Teresa Vadakin* Youth Services Librarian
Jo Ann Pierce** Youth Services Librarian
Pamela Vance Senior Library Technician
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Robert E. Lee, Jr. DPW Director/Town Engineer
Terrence Spaulding Cemetery/Parks Manager
Patricia A. DeLorey Water Dept. Secretary
Mark Richardson Asst. DPW Director/
Sewer & Water Superintendent
Cathy Knox Administrative Assistant
Susan Gurney WWTP Clerk
Sharon Mercurio Director
Virginia Spinney Coordinator of Volunteers
Joan Goddard Outreach Coordinator
Ann O’Donnell Receptionist
Albert Harris Custodian
TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE
Barbara Smith Assistant Town Clerk
TREASURER/TAX COLLECTOR
Lisa Herget Assistant Treasurer/Benefits
Administrator
Debbie Nutter Assistant Collector
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Cheryl Lutcza Assistant
APPOINTED BOARDS/COMMITTEES
AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE
Nicholas Cate 2009
Lyndon B. Johnson 2009
Alan O. Leao, Jr. 2009
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY BOARD
Renee Cyr 2011
James Friend 2011
Robert Lindgren 2010
Larry Murphy 2011
Susan Ventura 2009
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Alicia Flagg 2009
Kathleen Comeau, Assistant 2009
Christopher Comeau, Assistant 2009
Wayne Comeau, Assistant 2009
CAPITAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE
John Chavier 2009
Michael Landino 2009
Stephanie Cronin 2009
Robert Hanson 2009
Michael Hartnett 2009
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Frank Quattrochi, Director 2009
David Stairs, Assistant Director 2009
Dispatchers
Kristine June 2009
Matthew Power 2009
Benjamin Simmons 2009
Tracey Rancourt 2009
Justin Zink 2009
Spare Dispatchers
Rosemarie Page 2009
Nick Pentedemos 2009
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Robert Elliott 2009
Linda Moody 2010
Robert Rand 2009
Patricia Swain Rice 2009
Jeffrey Sauer 2011
Peter Steeves 2011
Melissa Tzanoudakis 2010
CONSTABLES
Neil McGorty 2009
David H. Muscovitz 2009
Frank Quattrochi 2009
Robert Russell 2009
COUNCIL ON AGING
Jerrilyn T. Bozicas 2009
Dorothy Clary 2010
Ida Donovan 2011
Cathy Forrest 2009
Barry R. Fuller 2009
Merle Green, Jr. 2011
Diane Kazanjian 2010
CULTURAL COUNCIL
Lynn Black 2009
Julie Curcuru 2009
Donna Falabella 2009
Maureen Johnson 2009
Irene Leddy 2011
Ann McPartlan 2011
Debra Reis 2011
Linda A. Shaw 2010
Alice VanOrmer 2009
Jennifer Tripp 2009
DISABILITIES COMMISSION
Robert Plet 2009
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
George Ux, Director 2009
Nicholas Livadas, Deputy Director 2009
Edward Passerello, Deputy Director 2009
Den Connors, Deputy Director 2009
David Peabody, Communications Officer 2009
Auxiliary Police
David Querze, Captain 2009
Paul Nelson, Lieutenant 2009
Glenn Caswell, Sergeant 2009
Joseph Hauptman, Sergeant 2009
David J. Richardson, Sergeant 2009
Jason M. Antin 2009
Richard E. Baum 2009
Mary Femino 2009
Ryan P. Fogarty 2009
James Greatorex 2009
Mitchell Lambert 2009
David W. Miller 2009
Matthew Power 2009
Andrew L. Riccio 2009
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES)
Dennis Connors 2009
Tony DiCenzo 2009
Mark Giubardo 2009
James Hein 2009
Peter Nordberg 2009
David Peabody 2009
Lynda Pozerski 2009
Eric Stromsted 2009
EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
Toby Tyler 2009
Den Connors 2009
Alan Davis 2009
Sharon Mercurio 2009
Ann O’Donnell 2009
Frank Quattrochi 2009
Peter Shattuck 2009
George Ux 2009
FENCE VIEWER
Richard Aubin 2009
FINANCE COMMITTEE
W. Burke Bero 2009
Stephanie Cronin 2009
Shaun Cummings 2010
Chris DeSimone 2009
Diane Gaspar 2009
Chris Johnson 2010
Jeanne LeBlanc 2010
FIRE ENGINEERS, BOARD OF
Peter Shattuck, Deputy Chief 2009
James Taplin, Deputy Chief 2009
Toby
Firefighters
Matt Allen 2009
Eric Allison 2009
Robert Archer 2009
Geoffrey Auffinger 2009
Matthew Blood 2009
Michael Blood, Captain 2009
Milton Blood, Jr. 2009
William Butts 2009
Jonathan Caten 2009
Den Connors 2009
Al Deshler 2009
Brad Desrochers 2009
Michael Doherty 2009
Seth Durno 2009
Kenneth English 2009
Derek Flanders 2009
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Firefighters (cont.)
Dana Franzek, Lieutenant 2009
Derek Franzek 2009
Scot Gardner 2009
Michael Kingsbury 2009
Derek LaLiberte 2009
Matthew Maciel 2009
Richard Layne 2009
Paul McBrearty, Jr., Lieutenant 2009
Vincent Messina, Jr. 2009
Timothy Morine 2009
Carl Morrison 2009
Dan Murphy, Jr. 2009
Mark Newell 2009
Kevin Pena 2009
Charles Pentedemos 2009
Timothy Powers 2009
Peter Quintin 2009
Joshua Robichaud 2009
John Rose, Captain 2009
Greg Ross 2009
Shaun Shattuck 2009
Thomas Shattuck 2009
Terry Spaulding 2009
Steve Symonds 2009
Christopher Thielbar, Lieutenant 2009
Robert Thorne 2009
Kurtis Triehy 2009
Ryan Tyler 2009
Kyle Winch 2009
Ambulance Personnel
James Casserly 2009
David Hargrave, Lieutenant 2009
Mike Derderian 2009
Al Deshler 2009
Jim Friend 2009
Donna Galotta 2009
Kim Hodder 2009
Wayne Keefner 2009
Joan Kimball 2009
Frank Melendy 2009
William Murdock 2009
Adam Ouellette 2009
Greg Rich 2009
Joshua Robichaud 2009
William Rowe 2009
Kathy Santos 2009
William Shaffer 2009
Ben Simmons 2009
Johanna Stein 2009
Jean Taubert, Captain 2009
Jill Taubert 2009
Cathy Tyler 2009
Peter Shattuck 2009
GIS COMMITTEE
Martin Beck 2009
Susan Snyder 2009
Robert B. Hanson 2009
Robert E. Lee, Jr. 2009
Frank Quattrochi 2009
Gregory Rice 2009
Susan Smith 2009
HANDICAPPED COORDINATOR
Robert Plet 2009
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Michael Coffey 2009
Ronald Karr 2011
Hillary Pember 2010
Susan J. Smith 2009
INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Stephen Brady 2009
Scott Menice 2009
Peggy Pomeroy 2009
Douglas C. Sawyer 2009
Dale Sinclair 2009
Anders Swenson 2009
Den Connors, Systems Administrator 2009
Jeff Sauer, Webmaster 2009
Theresa Walsh, Coordinator
INSPECTORS
Harry Cullinan, Inspector of Buildings/
Zoning Officer 2009
Rudolph Schultz, Local Inspector 2009
John Dee III, Electrical Inspector 2009
Eugene Douglas, Gas Inspector 2010
Ralph Gilmore, Asst. Elec. Insp. 2009
Robert Russell, Asst. Gas Inspector 2009
John Cryan, Plumbing Inspector 2009
Eugene Douglas, Asst. Plumbing Inspector 2009
LOCAL LICENSING AUTHORITY
Todd W. Blain 2009
Alan Davis 2009
William Greathead 2009
Armando Herrera 2009
Alan Lessieur 2009
James Peters 2009
David Scott 2009
MILL SITE STUDY COMMITTEE
Kurtis E. Amidon
Jerrilyn T. Bozicas
Stephanie Cronin
Roger Goscombe
Albert H. Harris
Ronald Karr
Michael Landino
Kenneth R. Morgan
Matt Nesbit
Georgette
Jeffrey Sauer
Joseph A. Sergi
Stephen C. Themelis
MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
Peter Shattuck 2009
NASHOBA VALLEY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Albert Buckley 2010
Sandra M. Proctor 2009
Janet A. Young 2009
Donald Bradanese, Alt. 2010
PARKING CLERK
Cathy Forrest 2009
PERSONNEL BOARD
Darrell Gilmore, Selectmen’s Rep. 2009
Judith Dalton, At-large Representative 2009
Carl Schilling, At-large Representative 2009
Peter Shattuck, Employee Rep. 2009
Burke Bero, Finance Comm. Rep. 2009
PEPPERELL CRANK-UP COMMITTEE
James Dunn 2009
Kim C. Spaulding 2009
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alan Davis, Chief 2010
Todd W. Blain, Sergeant 2009
Armando Herrera, Sergeant 2009
Alan Lessieur, Sergeant 2009
James Peters, Sergeant 2009
David Scott, Lieutenant 2009
Cathy Forrest, Administrative Assistant 2009
Eileen Lundstrom, Senior Clerk 2009
Officers
William Greathead, Detective 2009
Steven Bezanson 2009
Haylie Boutwell 2009
Steven A. Burke 2009
Gordon A. Candow 2009
Jared J. Carrubba 2009
Bruce Haskins 2009
Thomas Maskalenko 2009
Stephen Mulkerin 2009
Nick Parker 2009
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officers (cont.)
Richard Smith 2009
Fabrizio Vestri 2009
Part-time Officers
Kenneth Beers 2009
Cathy Forrest 2009
Nikolaos Lividas 2009
Paul Nelson 2009
Edward Passerello 2009
David Querze 2009
Paul Surette 2009
Eileen Lundstrom, Special Police Officer 2009
Detention Room Supervisors
Deborah A. Bezanson 2009
Glenn B. Caswell 2009
Mary Femino 2009
Cathy Forrest 2009
Kristine June 2009
Edward Lane 2009
Nikolaos Livadas 2009
Eileen Lundstrom 2009
Paul Nelson 2009
Rosemarie Page 2009
Nicholas Pentedemos 2009
Matthew Power 2009
Michelle Roop 2009
Justin Zink 2009
Special Police - Dunstable
George Aggott 2009
James Dow 2009
James Downes, Jr. 2009
James Downes III 2009
Darrell Gilmore 2009
Eric Hoar 2009
Daniel Kowalski 2009
John J. Koyutis 2009
Michael Lynn 2009
Nicholas Papageorgiou 2009
Sean Ready 2009
Gregg Sanborn 2009
Benjamin Sargent 2009
Michael Tedesco 2009
Special Police –
Peter Breslin 2009
Paul Connell 2009
James Cullen 2009
Richard Elie 2009
Kevin Feeley 2009
Jeffrey Frates-Fox 2009
Derrick J. Gemos 2009
Jeffrey Gigliotti 2009
Jason Goodwin 2009
Ryan Griffin 2009
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Special Police –
Donald Palma, Jr. 2009
Irmin Pierce, III 2009
John Rooney 2009
Dale Rose 2009
Edward Sheridan 2009
Corey Waite 2009
Eric M. Watkins 2009
Keith Weidlich 2009
Catherine Welch 2009
Special Police - Hollis
Richard Bergeron 2009
Christopher Bonin 2009
Angelo Corrado
Tracy A. Dunne 2009
Donald Duquette 2009
Kevin Irwin 2009
Brendan LaFlamme 2009
Andrew MacInnis 2009
Richard Mello 2009
Daniel Pangburn 2009
James Sartelle 2009
Kris Thibault 2009
David Turgeon 2009
Russell Ux 2009
Katharine Walsh 2009
Special Police - Townsend
Robert Breault 2009
Tony Brennan 2009
James Capsalis 2009
Austin Cote 2009
Mark Francis 2009
Mark Giancotti 2009
Randy Girard 2009
Andrew Gomes 2009
John Johnson 2009
Mary Ann Kinirey 2009
James Landi 2009
James Marchand 2009
Erving
Cheryl Mattson 2009
Daniel Morrison 2009
Dawn Murray 2009
Thomas Pearson 2009
David Profit 2009
Joseph Quinn 2009
Kimberly Rebovich 2009
Robert Rebovich 2009
George Reidy 2009
Thaddeus Rochette 2009
Jeffrey Thibodeau 2009
Joshua Tocci 2009
Christopher VanVoorhis 2009
REGISTRARS
Jane Eshleman 2009
Emilie H. Presnall 2011
Patricia A. Sergi 2010
Barbara A. Smith, Assistant 2009
SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Eric Aaltonen 2009
TOWN COUNSEL
Edward J. Richardson, Esq. 2009
TOWN
James Dunn 2009
Joseph Radwich 2009
Peter Shattuck 2009
VETERANS’ SERVICE OFFICER
Myron B. Harmon* 2008
Joseph J. Mazzola** 2009
VETERAN’S GRAVE OFFICER
Terrence Spaulding 2009
Michael Flaminio 2009
James M. McKenna 2009
Joseph M. Moore 2009
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Thomas McGrath 2009
Sherrill Rosoff 2010
Annette R. McLean 2009
Mark Walsh, Associate Member 2010
ELECTION WORKERS
Martin T. Beck 2009
Janet Cramb 2009
Precinct 1
Craig R. Williams Warden
Michael J. Recco Deputy Warden
Adele B. Spoth Clerk
Jerrilyn T. Bozicas Deputy Clerk
Jenny S. Crisman Inspector
Carol J. Hasse Inspector
Elaine M. Jefferson Inspector
Janet M. Labelle Inspector
Ellen G. Marcoux Inspector
Ann M. Nieva Inspector
Elizabeth N. Rossi Inspector
Paul Spoth Inspector
Jacqueline L. West Inspector
Mary L. Williams Inspector
ELECTION WORKERS
Precinct 2
Mary Theall Warden
David Theall Deputy Warden
Barbara Cronin Clerk
Michael Coffey Inspector
Gertrude T. Dapcic Inspector
Joan M. Katsines Inspector
Joan P. Ladik Inspector
Rose M. Landry Inspector
Thomas R. Landry Inspector
Lorna R. Levi Inspector
Mary E. Lynch Inspector
Suzanne C. Marchand Inspector
Thomas J. McGrath Inspector
Leeann Phoenix Inspector
Barbara Z. Stromsted Inspector
Diane P. Temple Inspector
Winifred M. Wheeler Inspector
Precinct 3
Carole M. Babineau Warden
Barbara A. Smith Deputy Warden
Diane B. Karr Clerk
Elizabeth B. Hunt Deputy Clerk
Susan Buckley Inspector
Peggy W. Huntington Inspector
Doris E. Livadas Inspector
Amos J. Mahony Inspector
Virginia Malouin Inspector
Madge A. Meehan Inspector
Ruth Moses Inspector
Marjorie Nickerson Inspector
Judith Nolan Inspector
Marylou Nordberg Inspector
Ann O’Donnell Inspector
Joan Paden Inspector
Lynda J. Pozerski Inspector
Dorothy Prozeller Inspector
Jennifer Putnam Inspector
Suzanne Rowse Inspector
George Ux Inspector
Joan E. Ux Inspector
Grace H. Williams Inspector
* Resigned/retired/appointment expired
** Appointed to fill unexpired term
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Pepperell Board of Selectmen respectfully submits its report to the citizens of Pepperell, regarding activities conducted in 2008 The Board met on twenty-seven occasions during the year, and continues its general practice of meeting on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. In synchrony with the volume of work before the Board, the Board reserves the option to meet more or less frequently, or, occasionally, informally to deal with minor or administrative issues. All meetings are posted and public, and al citizens are invited to attend. Formal meetings are televised on Cable TV, Channel 15.
Board Membership/Reorganization:
Patrick McNabb was elected to a three-year term. Upon re-organization, Lyndon Johnson was elected Chairman, and Joseph Sergi, Clerk.
Resignations Accepted:
Michael Coffee: Historical Commission
Election Worker
Ted Harmon Veterans’ Service Officer
Kathleen Comeau Animal Officer
Sandra Prece Finance Committee Clerk
Jeffrey Chabot Mill Site Study Committee
Thomas McGrath Zoning Board of appeals
Gary Giguere Mill Site Study Committee
Steven Pearson Agricultural Advisory Board
New Appointments Made:
Auxiliary Police: Andrew Riccio
David Miller
Jason Anton
Ryan Fogarty
James Greatorex
Mitchell Lambert
Fire
Engineers:
Toby
Peter Shattuck
James Taplin
Agricultural Advisory Board: Susan Ventura
Board of Public Works: Gregory Rice
Planning Board Associate: Steven Brittain
Mill Site Study Committee: Kurtis Amidon
Jerrilyn Bozicas
Jeffrey Chabot
Stephanie Cronin
M. Gary Giguere
Roger Goscombe
Albert Harris
Ronal Karr
Michael Landino
Matt Nesbit
Jeffrey Sauer
Stephen Themelis
Joseph Sergi
Ken Morgan
Georgette
ZBA Associate Member Sean McCaffrey
Affordable Housing Committee Alan Leao
Veterans’ Service Officer Joseph Mazzola
Detention Room Monitor Deborah Bezanson
Library Trustee Schuyler Minkler
Veterans’ Grave Officer Terrence Spaulding
Dispatcher Trainee Tracy Rancourt
Animal Control Officer: Alicia Flagg
Board of Health (interim) Scott Butcher
Virginia Malouin
John Marriner
Cultural Council: Anne McPartlan
Irene Luddy
Debra Reis
Mariea Eckstein
Board of Appeals: Mark Walsh
Miscellaneous Highlights:
In the course of 2008, the Board:
· Initiated a process for economic development, including adoption of MGL, Ch 43D (the “expedited permitting” statute), pursued special legislation for the Town’s designation as part of an Economic Target Area (“ETA”), created an Economic Opportunity Area (“EOA”), and set up a tax incentive program that will assist a local business to remain and expand in Pepperell
· Initiated a series of activities relating to improvements and planning for the future use of the mill site, including the creation of a study committee, and the initiation of a market study to determine viable uses for the property.
· Concluded contract negotiations with the bargaining units for the DPW and the Library.
· Finalized activities relating to Emerson Village, a Local Initiative Project (“LIP”) and 40B development off Nashua Road.
· Granted (after hearing, and with extensive restrictions) a special permit for a rooming house at 17 Park Street, in the name of Janet Cramb.
· Sold the former Water Division headquarters at 15 Canal Street.
· Wrestled with the ramifications and implications of a serious financial shortfall for FY 09, as well as further projected budget problems for FY 10. The Board arranged for an (ultimately unsuccessful) override referendum in the amount of $1,000,000.
The Board extends its appreciation and gratitude to the many volunteers and employees who have invested countless hours and enormous energy to make our Town function. We appreciate your efforts, and your dedication to the Town of Pepperell.
PERSONNEL BOARD
The Personnel Board is a five-person board appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Board is charged with the interpretation of questions of policy, and the resolution of issues related to the Town’s personnel, classification, compensation, and benefits policies, as they affect Town Employees covered by the Personnel By-law.
In 2008, the Board met on two occasions, to address various issues:
- Resolution of a grievance submitted by an employee.
- Action on requests for re-grades of positions and step adjustments.
- Recommendation for FY09 COLA adjustment
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Responsibilities/Duties:
1. To hear and decide appeals in accordance with Section 9200 of the Zoning By-Law.
2. To hear and decide applications for special permits as provided in Section 9221 of the Zoning By-Law.
3. To hear and decide appeals or petitions for variances as provided in Section 9222 of the Zoning By-Law.
4. To hear and decide appeals as provided in Section 9223 of the Zoning By-Law.
5. To hear and decide comprehensive permits as provided in Section 9224 of the Zoning By-Law.
Authority:
Town of Pepperell zoning By-Law Section 9220 and Mass. General laws Chapters 40A, 40B, and 41.
2008 Activities:
Six (6) new applications were submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2008. Table contains breakdown of applications which were decided in 2008, or are currently pending:
|
|
Granted |
Denied |
Pending |
Withdrawn |
|
Variances |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
40B-Comprehensive Permits |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Administrative Appeals |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Special Permits |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Amendments to Decisions |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2008 Zoning Board of Appeals Members:
Full Board Members (3): Thomas McGrath (Chairman), Sherrill Rosoff and Annette McLean (Clerk).
Associate Board Members (2): Mark Walsh and Sean McCaffery.
Staff: Cheryl Lutcza, ZBA Assistant.
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
The Board of Assessors submits herewith its annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.
FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09
Gross to be Raised 21,147,363 20,994,120 22,492,376 22,842,894.18
Estimated Receipts
Available Funds 8,833,173 8,130,529 9,242,283 9,155,853.44
Property Valuations 1,170,550,361 1,273,622,914 1,317,106,594 1,259,157,382
Tax Rate $10.52 $10.10 $10.06 $10.87
Each year voters attend Town Meetings to establish expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year. The total that can be spent by the Town Meeting is capped under Proposition 2 ½, a ballot initiative passed in 1980, and this total sum of money necessary to run the Town determines the amount that must be raised through local property taxes. The tax rate is that percent of total assessed value necessary to meet monetary requirements established by Town Meeting appropriations.
The tax rate for fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009) will be set at $10.87 per one thousand dollars in assessed valuation. This is 8% higher than last year’s rate of $10.06 per thousand. Readers may be quick to re-calculate tax liabilities based upon that new rate but must be advised the assessed values have been reduced to more closely reflect market trends. Annually Assessors analyze real estate sales within the community to determine levels and equity of assessments. The basis for FY 09 valuations are sales occurring in the previous calendar year (2007). Overall, assessed values are 4.4 % less than the prior tax year.
So why is the rate up 8%? Generally the rate is increased by 2.5% per year under the confines of Proposition 2 ½, plus certain increases to the tax base and any debt service exclusions or over-rides previously voted by the Town Meeting. Historically the increase has been approximately 4%. This, coupled with diminished property values, brings the tax rate to an 8% increase over the prior year.
Taxpayers are reminded to read the reverse side of the tax bill. It contains valuable information concerning abatement and exemption information. Further information can be found at www.town.pepperell.ma.us, then choosing “Town Hall”, “Board/Comm/Dept”, and finally “Assessors” at the website. More information regarding property tax bills can be found at www.mass.gov/dls.
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
|
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2008 |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Pooled |
Money Market |
Oper. Accounts |
|
Total |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
Fund Accounts |
Vendor/Payroll |
|
Funds |
||
|
Fund Balances: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
General Fund |
$ 154,008 |
$ 2,311,829 |
$ (686,504) |
*** |
$ 1,779,333 |
|||||
|
Highway Improvement Fund |
|
(268,648) |
* |
|
|
(268,648) |
||||
|
Special Revenue Fund |
|
386,749 |
|
|
386,749 |
|||||
|
Ambulance Fund |
|
38,418 |
|
|
38,418 |
|||||
|
Capital Project Fund |
|
(50,540) |
*** |
|
|
(50,540) |
||||
|
Sewer Enterprise Fund |
|
1,188,802 |
|
|
1,188,802 |
|||||
|
Water Enterprise Fund |
|
1,006,628 |
|
|
1,006,628 |
|||||
|
Transfer Station Enterprise Fund |
|
205,626 |
|
|
205,626 |
|||||
|
Agency Funds |
|
493,626 |
|
|
493,626 |
|||||
|
Non-expendable Trust Funds: ** |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Cemetery Perpetual Fund |
141,242 |
|
|
|
141,242 |
|||||
|
Brooks Fund |
45,051 |
|
|
|
45,051 |
|||||
|
Farrar Flag Pole Fund |
150 |
|
|
|
150 |
|||||
|
Lawrence Library Perpetual Fund |
62,515 |
|
|
|
62,515 |
|||||
|
Lawrence Library Carter Fund |
13,852 |
|
|
|
13,852 |
|||||
|
Lawrence Library Thurston Fund |
501 |
|
|
|
501 |
|||||
|
Expendable Trust Funds: ** |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Cemetery Perpetual Income Fund |
38,793 |
|
|
|
38,793 |
|||||
|
Brooks Income Fund |
32,183 |
|
|
|
32,183 |
|||||
|
Farrar Flag Pole Income Fund |
701 |
|
|
|
701 |
|||||
|
Lawrence Library Income Fund |
66,242 |
|
|
|
66,242 |
|||||
|
Lawrence Library Carter Income Fund |
1,941 |
|
|
|
1,941 |
|||||
|
Lawrence Library Thurston Income Fund |
273 |
|
|
|
273 |
|||||
|
Lawrence Library Heald Income Fund |
14,334 |
|
|
|
14,334 |
|||||
|
Lawrence Library Smith Income Fund |
5,278 |
|
|
|
5,278 |
|||||
|
Other Trust Funds: ** |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Stabilization Fund |
1,773,458 |
|
|
|
1,773,458 |
|||||
|
Retirement Fund |
1,224,667 |
|
|
|
1,224,667 |
|||||
|
Conservation Fund |
26,624 |
|
|
|
26,624 |
|||||
|
Land Fund |
72,994 |
|
|
|
|
72,994 |
||||
|
Total Funds, June 30, 2008 |
$ 3,674,807 |
$ 5,312,491 |
$ (686,504) |
|
$ 8,300,795 |
|||||
|
Respectfully submitted, |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Michael Hartnett, CPA |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Treasurer-Collector |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Note: All accounts are independently audited each year by a certified public accounting firm, without exception. |
||||||||||
|
* Periodic timing difference due to pending receipt of Chapter 90 Mass. Highway paving reimbursement. |
||||||||||
|
** All trust fund balances are inclusive of required GASB-31 Fair Market Value adjustments. |
||||||||||
|
*** Negative balance due to normal periodic timing differences for funding of warrants or pending intra-fund adjustments. |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES
|
For the Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2008 |
||||||
|
|
|
|
Levy |
|
Abatements |
|
|
Levy |
|
Balance |
Commitment/ |
Collections |
Exemptions |
Balance |
|
Year |
Tax / Fee / Lien |
1/01/2008 * |
Transfer |
Net of Refunds |
Adjustments |
12/31/2008 |
|
2009 |
Real Estate |
- |
13,525,639 |
6,418,735 |
77,700 |
7,029,204 |
|
2009 |
Personal Property |
- |
172,982 |
66,830 |
- |
106,152 |
|
2009 |
Util.Liens/Int. |
- |
134,943 |
3,164 |
2,815 |
128,963 |
|
2009 |
Appor.Bett./Int. |
- |
194,389 |
567 |
- |
193,822 |
|
2008 |
Real Estate |
6,845,484 |
- |
6,592,824 |
118,940 |
133,720 |
|
2008 |
Personal Property |
74,752 |
- |
72,454 |
308 |
1,990 |
|
2008 |
Util.Liens/Int. |
89,691 |
- |
85,813 |
562 |
3,316 |
|
2008 |
Appor.Bett./Int. |
182,805 |
- |
162,975 |
1,185 |
18,645 |
|
2007 |
Real Estate |
111,456 |
- |
52,041 |
20,811 |
38,604 |
|
2007 |
Personal Property |
966 |
- |
273 |
- |
693 |
|
2007 |
Util.Liens/Int. |
13,291 |
- |
5,888 |
1,827 |
5,576 |
|
2007 |
Appor.Bett./Int. |
8,820 |
- |
1,111 |
6,700 |
1,009 |
|
2006 |
Real Estate |
48,501 |
- |
26,736 |
21,403 |
362 |
|
2006 |
Personal Property |
347 |
- |
218 |
- |
129 |
|
2006 |
Util.Liens/Int. |
1,545 |
- |
122 |
1,423 |
0 |
|
2006 |
Appor.Bett./Int. |
1,169 |
- |
1,169 |
- |
(0) |
|
2005 |
Real Estate |
1,325 |
- |
636 |
689 |
(0) |
|
2005 |
Personal Property |
215 |
- |
164 |
- |
51 |
|
2005 |
Util.Liens/Int. |
790 |
- |
- |
790 |
- |
|
2005 |
Appor.Bett./Int. |
3,717 |
- |
- |
3,717 |
- |
|
2004 |
Real Estate |
80 |
- |
- |
80 |
- |
|
2004 |
Util.Liens/Int. |
1,645 |
- |
- |
1,645 |
- |
|
2008 |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
- |
1,329,872 |
1,226,798 |
64,853 |
38,221 |
|
2007 |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
52,092 |
22,501 |
60,081 |
3,537 |
10,975 |
|
2006 |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
13,506 |
- |
5,347 |
441 |
7,717 |
|
2005 |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
8,344 |
- |
671 |
37 |
7,636 |
|
2004 |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
9,387 |
- |
738 |
- |
8,649 |
|
2003 |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
5,888 |
- |
164 |
- |
5,724 |
|
2002 |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
41 |
- |
- |
- |
41 |
|
2001 |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
115 |
- |
- |
115 |
- |
|
Prior |
Motor Vehicle Exc. |
55 |
863 |
1,518 |
- |
(600) |
|
|
Tax Possessions |
28,688 |
- |
- |
- |
28,688 |
|
|
Tax Title Lien |
147,192 |
131,743 |
83,180 |
- |
195,756 |
|
|
Tax Title Utility |
19,409 |
3,860 |
3,607 |
- |
19,662 |
|
|
Deferred Taxes |
19,455 |
2,763 |
4,216 |
- |
18,003 |
|
|
Deferred Bett. |
3,976 |
- |
- |
- |
3,976 |
|
|
Farmland Rollback |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Betterments |
1,199,158 |
- |
52,878 |
122,957 |
1,023,323 |
|
|
|
8,893,905 |
|
|
|
9,030,007 |
|
|
Mobile Home Fees- In Lieu Of |
|
21,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Collected- Taxes |
|
56,991 |
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal Lien Cert. |
|
8,025 |
|
|
|
|
|
Collection Fees/Charges |
|
40,383 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL COLLECTIONS- Calendar 2008 |
|
15,057,917 |
|
|
||
|
Respectfully submitted, |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Michael Hartnett, CPA, Treasurer-Collector |
|
|
|
|
||
|
* All accounts are independently audited each year by a certified public accounting firm, without exception. |
||||||
INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Committee Members:
Stan Pozerski, Chairman
Peggy Pomeroy
Stephen Brady
Dale Sinclair
Anders Swenson
Scott Menice
Doug Sawyer
Committee Coordinator:
Theresa E. Walsh, Town Accountant
System Administrator, Den Connors
System Administrator
Den Connors has responsibility for the design, administration, and maintenance of the computer and digital communications infrastructure for the Town. He continues to update the computer equipment, networking components, and specialized systems for Town Hall, Department of Public Works and other departments. He maintains inventory, supports new hardware and software acquisition efforts for all departments, and reports to the Board at the regular meetings.
Town Webmaster
Jeff Sauer, the Town’s Webmaster maintains and updates the content of the Town’s web site found at http://www.town.pepperell.ma.us. Jeff makes improvements to the organization and usability of the web site.
Town-wide Wireless Broadband Network
The Town has begun updating the private municipal broadband wireless network, adding new capabilities to the network. Town government agencies, the DPW, and Public Safety share these links. In 2008 the DPW organization installed security devices and networked applications for the Water Department and Wastewater Facility. The Public Safety organizations also utilized the network to institute a public alert system and a video security system with the DPW.
DPW (Water, Sewer, Highway)
The primary operations/billing software package for water and sewer had two major upgrades. Several internet-based security enhancements were installed at wastewater and water facilities in 2008.
New Servers and Server Upgrades
One new server was installed for network and configuration monitoring, along with several workstations for systems administration. Another server was added for video security systems.
Application Upgrades and New Systems
The Emergency Notification system was installed on a dedicated server in 2007, and features were implemented in stages in 2008. The system should be ready to go on line for several applications shortly. The Collections department has begun using a Web application to allow citizens to pay real estate taxes on line. This system will be enhanced to allow other taxes to be paid on line in 2009.
Five Year Capital Expense Program
The Committee continues to review its Five-Year Capital expense program to account for changing requirements within budget constraints. In fiscal year 2009, acquisition of capital expenditure items was suspended, due to Town-wide funding issues. Effectively, the capital expenses for 2009 were set at zero dollars. However, a few key workstations were replaced as the older systems failed. The 2010 Five Year Plan will be submitted to the Capital Program Committee for their review, approval, and subsequent submission to the Finance Committee.
Rough Survey of PC’s and network components (now including DPW)
Servers have increased from 20 to 21 machines.
Workstations have increased from 86 to 88 machines.
Laptops (including tablet PC’s for ambulance) have increased from 14 to 15 machines.
The Town private computer network has stopped growing rapidly, and now is seeing only incremental growth to support additional security, monitoring and a few new services.
Increasing Requirements Outside of Town Hall
Existing equipment at many town buildings continue to be updated or replaced, to allow interoperating with the new networked applications described above.
Committee Members
The Committee membership was static in 2008, and is at full strength. However, the Committee strongly urges anyone who would like to participate in advising the Town in the architecture, administration, and use of the EDP infrastructure to contribute their knowledge, to contact the Committee via the Selectmen’s Office. Technical expertise is not a prerequisite. Interest is growing in advancing information access to residents and a well-designed approach to web access, notification systems and underlying communications infrastructure needs to be planned for and implemented in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
Stanley Pozerski Chairman,
Information Systems Technology Committee
4th of July Parade
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
The Conservation Commission’s job is to work to protect Pepperell's natural resources. We do this in several ways. For examples, we are the local administrators of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Pepperell Wetlands Protection By-Law; we plan for and manage the Town's Conservation Land; we work with and advise other Town bodies such as the Planning Board and the Building Inspector's Office on natural resources issues, and we provide information to Town residents.
The Wetlands Protection Act and the Pepperell Wetlands Protection By-Law are designed to provide a review process for projects that could affect our valuable wetlands. In simplified form, the Act says that no one may fill or alter a wetland without a permit. Under the Wetlands Protection Act, the Commission’s job, which we do with the help of our administrator, is to review applications and decide about wetland permits. Our By-Law provides further protection for some types of wetlands. This is time-consuming, but vital work. Healthy, functioning wetlands protect our water supply, provide flood control, prevent pollution, and enrich our community's wildlife habitat. The Wetlands Protection Act usually applies to any project if it occurs in or near wetlands. Typical projects include new buildings and driveways, changes to existing buildings or landscaping, and improvements to roads or utilities.
Our records of Wetlands Protection Act applications for the past 5 years are shown in the table below. The drop in the number of applications in 2008 is a reflection of the general downturn in construction activity.
Wetlands Protection Act Applications |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Notices of Intent (This is an application for a permit to perform work that may alter a wetland. The permit is called an Order of Conditions.) |
31 |
24 |
13 |
18 |
7 |
|
Requests for Determination of Applicability (This is a request to determine if a Notice of Intent needs to be filed.) |
20 |
9 |
22 |
11 |
12 |
|
Extended/Amended Orders of Conditions |
3 |
9 |
4 |
12 |
4 |
|
Abbreviated Notices of Resource Area Delineation (This is an application for certification of a wetland location, usually used for planning or design purposes.) |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
Requests for Certificates of Compliance (After a project is complete, the Commission issues a Certificate of Compliance if the project was done as required under the Order of Conditions.) |
19 |
15 |
25 |
27 |
17 |
|
TOTAL APPLICATIONS |
76 |
59 |
67 |
71 |
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Building Permit Applications reviewed |
115 |
142 |
138 |
82 |
82 |
The slowdown in Wetlands Protection Act reviews has allowed the Commission to focus on two Conservation Land management projects this year. The Commission thanks volunteer Helen Castles, a former Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist, who has been a tremendous help with both projects. The first project, done jointly with the Nashoba Conservation Trust, was writing and adopting a Land Management Plan for the new Keyes Farm land between Elm Street and River Road. The Commission thanks the Highway Division for the construction of the parking lot on Elm Street. The second major project was an update of the Management Plan for the Heald Street Orchard. The Commission was able to follow up with action under this new plan with the approval of a grant from the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program of the USDA. Under the grant, the Commission has begun removal of approximately 18 acres of apple trees (this is about one quarter of the area currently planted to apple trees) to increase the diversity of wildlife habitat in the Orchard. In the future the area where the trees are being removed will be maintained as a grassland to encourage ground-nesting birds.
2008 was also the first year of a multi-year project to control water chestnut in the Nashua River. Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is an invasive exotic plant that had spread to cover nearly 45 acres of Pepperell Pond during the past 10 years. Under the management of the Nashua River Watershed Association mechanical harvesting of the plant was done for several weeks during the summer. The Commission expects that after 2 or 3 years of mechanical harvesting, any remaining water chestnut plants will be able to be controlled by hand-harvesting from canoes.
In October Town Meeting approved the purchase of approximately 18 acres of new Conservation Land. This property, known as the Anderson parcel, is located adjacent to existing Town-owned Conservation Land along the Nashua River and the Nashua River Rail Trail at the Groton line off Groton Street.
We invite you to visit our page on the Town’s web site by going to www.town.pepperell.ma.us and clicking on “Board/Comm/Dept” under “Town Hall.” Then click on “Conservation Commission” to find us. Our page details the workings of the Commission, including upcoming meeting dates and agendas, access to permit applications, and information about Pepperell’s conservation lands.
Please call the Conservation Commission office, 978-433-0325, if you would like to ask questions or give comments about wetlands permit applications, conservation land, or other natural resources issues. We also welcome reports of unusual wildlife or plant sightings. Our Conservation Administrator, Ellen Fisher, staffs our office in Town Hall Monday through Thursday.
Robert Elliott, Chairman Linda Moody Robert Rand Patricia Swain Rice
Jeffrey Sauer Peter Steeves Melissa Tzanoudakis
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
Appointed Positions:
Harry Cullinan, Inspector of Buildings
Rudolph F. Schultz, Local Inspector
John Dee III, Electrical Inspector
Ralph Gilmore, Assistant Electrical Inspector
John Cryan, Plumbing Inspector
Eugene Douglas, Gas Inspector/Assistant Plumbing Inspector
Robert Russell, Assistant Gas Inspector
Susan H. Smith, Assistant to the Inspectors
During the past year as the Inspector of Buildings, with the able assistance of my assistant Susan Smith, the Department has issued building permits, replied to Notices of Intent, resolved numerous zoning complaints, inspected all school buildings and public buildings and inspected and issued certificates of inspections to numerous businesses as required.
The Department processed a steady number of applications throughout the year for new construction and remodeling, wood stoves and energy improvements despite the problems in the financial institutions which has stopped all speculative building.
Listed below is a summary of the Building Department activities for the past year. One to four inspections may be required per permit:
Building Permits: 317
New Homes: 11 single-family homes
1 accessory apartment
2 manufactured homes
101 Renovations and additions
26 Detached structures
1 Industrial Warehouse
173 Re-roof/windows/woodstoves/demolitions etc
Other:
500+ Field Inspections
92 New Businesses/Notices of Intent
6 Zoning Complaints
The Building Department also issued 215 electrical permits, 183 plumbing permits and 130 gas permits, with the majority of these permits requiring the inspectors to provide a minimum of two inspections
In addition to our normal field work, all the inspectors are required to attend schooling throughout the year to maintain their licenses and certifications.
Building Department staff is available to answer your questions and address any concerns at 978-433-0329.
New Fire Department Tanker Truck
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board serves the Town of Pepperell by reviewing and permitting development throughout the community under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Sections 81A-GG, Subdivision Control Law, and Chapter 40A, the Zoning Act. The Planning Board’s authority is defined in the Subdivision Rules and Regulations and the Zoning Bylaws of the Town.
The Board approved two multi-family developments, one on Hollis Street and one on Tucker Street. Additionally, the Board approved a site plan for the Hamilton-McGaffigan Funeral Home expansion and renovation. One single family home on Prospect Street was permitted to become a two family home and the Public Works Department was issued a Scenic Road permit for work on Lawrence Street. A common driveway on Nashua Road was granted and a Lawrence Street property owner was granted a permit for access other than through the lot frontage.
The Board spent several meetings reviewing an application from Verizon Wireless and Sprint for construction of a cell tower on property off Townsend Street owned by the Town. A professional consultant was hired to review the specifics and offer guidance to the Board and after the conclusion of the meetings the Board issued a Special Permit for the cell tower.
The Board initiated talks with other town officials regarding re-use and re-development of the former paper mill. One result of the focus on this subject was the application for and ultimate receipt of a $7,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant money was used to hire a downtown initiative consultant who prepared a downtown assessment to be used when preparing a market analyses or study for the mill property. A Mill Site Study Committee was formed and they have been focusing on the project since.
Mid-year elections resulted in a new member for the Board, Dennis Kane, who defeated long time member Jeff Chabot. In their post election meeting the members agreed to leave the officers in place and not make any changes. Stephen Brittain was appointed for another term as the Associate Member.
Annual Town meeting brought about the acceptance of Hadley Road in the Hadley Estates Subdivision. Other subdivisions, Julia Lane, Beaver Creek, and North Village Estates were closely monitored throughout the year to ensure compliance with all permits and plans. All of them were able to put down final paving making road acceptance a strong possibility for the next Annual Town Meeting. Along with these very active subdivisions, several other idle subdivisions were reviewed and found to be expired or no longer valid. Both Hampshire Estates and DMA Estates were withdrawn and all accounts closed. Only Academy Hill and Bemis Estates remain idle and past expiration while the idle Reedy Meadows and Heritage Estates have both requested extensions on their permits.
Prior to the end of the year the Mass Composting Group, Inc. applied for extension of their permit from 2005 and the Board will be issuing a Decision in early 2009. The Board has also been reviewing the Zoning Bylaws in order to propose necessary changes at the next town meeting.
The Planning Board wishes to offer its gratitude to all of the Pepperell Town Boards, Committees, and Departments for their assistance and guidance throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Pepperell Planning Board
Nicholas Cate, Chair
Dennis Kane
Mark Marston
Richard McHugh
Stephen Themelis, Clerk
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The responsibilities and duties of the police department include the protection of life and property and the investigation of all criminal activity and motor vehicle accidents within the community.
POLICE ACTIVITY: 2008
Calls for service.................................................. 8,335
Burglaries................................................................ 32
Larcenies (includes cases of fraud/ID theft)............. 185
Disturbance calls (general)..................................... 162
Disturbance calls (domestic violence)....................... 94
Assaults................................................................... 21
Motor vehicle accidents investigated....................... 261
Arrests/Protective custodies................................... 115
Motor vehicle citations issued.............................. 1,880
Drunk driving cases................................................. 17
Burglar/Robbery alarm responses........................... 278
Animal Complaints................................................... 87
Represented by the listed police activity is an overview of incidents the police department responds to and investigates throughout the year. Also included in the call analysis are a variety of other initiatives conducted by the police department including directed traffic enforcement (radar posts), security checks, motor vehicles events, bicycle patrols in the downtown area and railtrail path and ATV patrols just to name a few.
All officers continue to be recertified annually in core tasks including firearms (twice a year), first aid/CPR/defibrillator, defensive tactics and legal updates. Much of this training is accomplished through the required annual in-service training at The Lowell Police Training facility. Those officers trained in less-lethal weapons applications also receive recertification training and all officers recertify annually in the use of the Tasers (electronic control devices).
In 2008 there were three formal internal affairs complaints filed against officers alleging misconduct. One of the complaints was determined to be valid and the officer was appropriately reprimanded. The other two complaints were determined to be unjustified after investigations were completed. I encourage anyone that is dissatisfied with our service to contact my office. All officers are expected to act professionally and provide fair and equal services to all citizens.
The police department did continue to provide gifts to those less fortunate during the holiday season. Many thanks to those officers that volunteered their time to conduct this project and also to the community members who donated money, toys and time (wrapping gifts) to this event. Additionally, we held our annual holiday event with the seniors and provided gifts and flowers to many of them.
As individuals living and working in our community I again welcome your comments and encourage you to report suspicious activities in your neighborhoods. We ask that all community members be diligent in protecting your property by securing your homes, businesses and automobiles. We encourage parents to be involved with your children and be aware of their activities and associations with friends.
The department wishes to thank the many members of the community who continue to support our police department and we will continue to provide the best possible service to keep Pepperell a safe and pleasant community in which to live and work.
Respectfully submitted,
Alan S. Davis, Chief of Police
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Pepperell Fire Department is committed to protecting life and property in the community. The department responded to the following calls in 2008:
11 Structure Fires 891 Medical Patient Contacts
5 Motor Vehicles Fires 9 Mutual-Aid Given (Ambulance)
7 Chimney Fires 2 Animal Rescues
4 Helicopter Landings 7 Haz-Mat Spills
10 Brush Fires 5 Assist other Departments
6 Furnace Malfunctions 7 Arcing Wires
11 Carbon Monoxide Calls 15 Good Intent Calls
30 Gas Odor/Leak 30 Unauthorized Open Burning
6 Mutual-Aid Given (Fire) 23 Motor Vehicle Accidents w/PI
31 Alarm Malfunctions 2 Smoke Investigations
40 Alarm Activations 2 Lighting Strikes (no fire)
PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS ISSUED:
Oil Burners 58 Tank Trucks 27
Propane Storage 49 Black Powder 1
UG Tank Removals 6 Occupancy 34
Agricultural Permits 15 Fuel Storage 1
Open Burning 653 Public Safety 15
Smoke Detector 130 Fireworks Display 1
Sprinkler 4 Fire Alarm 4
March 21, 2008 the fire department accepted delivery of our new 2500 gallon tanker; we are very grateful to the residents of Pepperell and the Fincom for all their help.
Our Fire Prevention Team went into the schools in April and October to conduct fire and life safety education programs for students in grades PreK-8. On July 15 the department participated with our SAFE trailer, an Engine and the Ambulance on the town field at one of the summer band concerts.
Ems Company has been very busy in 2008 with an increase of 18% over 2007. EMS Company did 22 classes on CPR for residents and businesses in Pepperell. The Board of Fire Engineers would like to thank all of the fire department personnel for all of their very hard work throughout the year.
The Board of Fire Engineers would like to thank the other town departments that worked with us during the year and the neighboring towns for their mutual aid, with special thanks to the Pepperell Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary for their help throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Toby Tyler, Chief Peter Shattuck, Dep. Chief James Taplin, Dep. Chief
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Our office has been quite busy with a multitude of animal problems this year. Calls consisted of nuisance, strays, and injured animals and the unfortunate dogs, cats and wildlife hit by vehicles.
Long-time Animal Control Officer Kathy Comeau retired in June, and Alicia Flagg was appointed to the position. Additionally, the agreement with Townsend was cancelled in June, resulting in the position being reduced to half time.
I would like to remind everyone to license their dogs. You may be fined if you do not license your dog in a timely manner, and you may have to appear in court. A license is the only way for our office to identify your dog and to get your dog home if it is lost. If all dogs were licensed, we would have no strays and no lost dogs.
Have a safe, healthy and prosperous 2009, and thanks for your anticipated cooperation.
Alicia Flagg, Animal Control Officer
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The following inspections for accuracy were performed during the year 2008:
2 Large Capacity Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks
14 Oil Trucks
57 Gasoline Pump Nozzles
19 Scales of various sizes
2 Apothecary Scales
8 Supermarket computerized scales
This past year has been a busy but enjoyable year. I attended a fifteen-hour course, which is required by the State of Massachusetts. This course provides updates or any changes that increases my ability to provide the best possible service for the Town of Pepperell.
Anyone acquiring new or replacement scales or pumps must have them officially checked and sealed before they can be used. Appointments are made through the Selectmen’s office by calling (978)433-0333.
Over this past year it has been a pleasure to serve the Town. I am looking forward to another joyful year of serving the Town of Pepperell in this capacity.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric Aaltonen
Sealer of Weights and Measures
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
I hereby submit the report for the Emergency Management Agency for the year ending December 31, 2008.
The RACES Ham Radio Operators have continued to be the eyes and ears of the community, with the monthly checks with the MEMA Radio Net. In June they hold a 24-hour field day test, with communications around the world.
Our local Emergency Planning Committee has continued to work and update the Reverse 911 system. Our thanks to Deputy Director and Systems Administrator Den Connors for all his work on getting this system underway.
Our 11-town regional Emergency Planning Committee meets bi-monthly at the Ayer Police Station, with Director Ux and the Fire and Police Chiefs.
On March 7th heavy rains made our rivers run heavy with winter meltdown. The reading on March 8th – March 10th was at 9 feet. Flood stage is at 8.8 feet. We had no reported damage.
Captain David Querze reports from the Auxiliary Police Department 2,050 hours of volunteer service to the community. Six new officers began service to the Town. Seventeen officers have 153 cumulative years of service; they range from one month to 35 years. This is up from 136 in 2007. Seven officers have less than two years, six officers between two and 15 years, and four officers with over 15 years. Incidents or events supported included Memorial Day Parade, 4th of July parade and Fireworks, Halloween, Groton Road Race, Christmas Toy Distribution, gas main leak incident (Nashua Road in July) and the ice storm of 2008 (December). This was 103 hours total service from 8 officers.
The ice storm in December was the first time that a shelter had been opened in Pepperell in many years. We opened the Senior Center on the first day, December 12th, and then opened the Varnum Brook School in the evening, closing the shelter at 3 p.m. on December 18th. The shelter used the cots and blankets we have had stored in town. My thanks to all the volunteers who staffed and worked around the clock. Also our thanks to C & S Pizza, Donelan’s Market and all the people that donated food.
My thanks to all the volunteers who give so much of their time to make this program work. I also want to thank the Police and Fire Chiefs, Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, Red Cross and other town department heads for all their cooperation. Special thanks to National Grid for getting our power back in a timely way.
Respectfully submitted,
George Ux, Director
NASHOBA VALLEY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Nashoba Valley Technical High School is a
regional technical high school established in 1969 to serve students grades
9–12 and also provides post-graduate programs for those between the ages of 18
and 25 years old. Nashoba has earned an impressive reputation for
producing community leaders as well as providing community service. With
an enrollment of approximately 700 students from seven communities, Nashoba
Valley Technical High School offers career preparation in 16 technical
programs.
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Administration
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Dr. Judith L. Klimkiewicz |
Superintendent |
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Mr. Victor Kiloski |
Assistant Superintendent/Principal |
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Ms Carol Heidenrich |
Director of Technology |
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Ms Melissa LeRay |
Director of Student Services |
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Ms Denise Page Pigeon |
Director of Curriculum/Grants |
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Mr. Matthew Ricard |
Dean of Students |
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Mr. George Kalarites |
Facilities Manager |
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Ms Clare Jeannotte
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Business Manager |
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Three 12-week trimesters. Eight 45-minute periods set in a block schedule, five days per week. The school schedule alternates one week of academic classes with a week in a career-technical area for grades 9 through 12 and post graduate students.
The Year in Review
In 2008 Nashoba approved the addition of a music teacher to its faculty. It is the first time in the school’s history the school has offered a music program in its course selections. This will serve to bring more opportunities to study all areas of the TV Media/Theatre Arts industry.
Nashoba is working to advance its green initiative with an energy audit to assist the school with alternative energy source designation that will serve to train our students in the construction of alternative energy sources. Additionally it will help to offset our fossil fuel usage and cost. We will also be the first school in the Commonwealth to use water borne paints in our Autobody Program. This reduces, according to research, the volatile gases by approximately 90%. Furthermore, we have involved our school committee in our green initiative by emailing agenda packets to save on paper waste and the cost of mailing.
Nashoba continues as a satellite campus for Fitchburg State College with many professional development and advanced graduate matriculation opportunities for our teachers and administrators. Classes have been well attended and interesting to all participants.
Finally, NVTHS continues to improve its post secondary opportunities for students with multiple new articulation programs with public and private colleges, as well as, immediate career placement with our ever increasing business and industry partners. Nashoba also offers technical education to suitable recent high school graduates on a space available basis at no cost to the student.
Vocational-Technical Programs (Secondary & Post Graduate)
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Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing |
Design & Visual Communications |
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Automotive Technology |
Electrical Technology |
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Banking, Marketing & Retail |
Electronics/Robotics |
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Business Automation Technology |
Engineering Technology |
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Carpentry/Cabinet Making |
Health Assisting/Early Education & Care |
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Cosmetology |
Machine Tool Technology |
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Culinary Arts/Hotel Restaurant Management |
Plumbing/Heating |
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Dental Assisting |
TV Media Production/Theatre Arts |
Special Academic Programs
Advanced Placement Honors and College Preparatory courses are available in all core subjects. Foreign language and additional educational courses are offered for all four years for all interested students.
Dual Enrollment
Juniors who are eligible and recommended by teachers/administration may elect to enter the Dual Enrollment Program and take courses the junior and senior year at a two- or four-year public college or private institution in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Upon completion, they receive their high school diploma from Nashoba and one or two years of college credit. More than 30 students in recent years have graduated with an Associates degree from college and their high school diploma at the same time. Also, individual study programs for talented students are directed to their area of excellence. Many of our students are accepted at such distinguished institutions as MIT, Ithaca College, Emerson College, Boston University, and University of Massachusetts, among others.
Student Activities
Nashoba sponsors an extensive program in intra-scholastic sports including varsity teams in 10 high school sports with equal opportunities for both male and female students. Other extracurricular activities include Student Council, National Honor Society, Yearbook, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Skills USA, Student Leadership, Peer Mediation, and many special interest clubs. No user fees are imposed on any sport, school sponsored club or activity.
Continuing & Community Education
More than 700 adult students attended the Continuing Community Education Program in late afternoon and evenings at Nashoba. More information can be found on the NVTHS website.
Community Service Projects
Nashoba is unique in its approach to community service and its relationship to its district towns. Students are expected to go with their instructors to areas of our district to work on community service projects that have been approved and selected for their benefit to the community and the learning of our students. The students perform necessary work for the district towns. The Community Service Program educates students in a real world setting and allows the towns the benefit of viewing Nashoba students at work and having a major project completed without expending limited town resources for capital improvement. Samples of projects completed for Pepperell recently are: Carpentry work and siding to Pepperell Cemetery Garage.
NORTH MIDDLESEX REGIONAL SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
The past year provided school personnel with the opportunity to continue to provide students within the school district with educational programs designed to meet both their current and future educational needs. One impressive change in curriculum and instruction occurred at the high school where a new academic schedule and program of studies was successfully implemented. The change in the high school schedule took students out of study halls and enabled them to participate in more academic classes designed to prepare them for both the 21st century world of work and the rigor of university study. The new secondary program of studies included innovative courses in all academic areas and allowed students greater access to both advanced placement and college and university sponsored on-line courses. In addition to traditional and on-line courses offered at the high school, seniors and juniors were able to participate in internships outside of school where individual students had the opportunity to experience work within a variety of occupations.
Unfortunately, while innovations in the high school program of studies provided students with many more opportunities, these innovations also illuminated the educational limitations presented by the age and condition of the high school building. As a result, in 2008, the school district submitted an application to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) seeking financial assistance with upgrading/renovating the North Middlesex Regional High School. According to an engineering study completed earlier in 2007, the high school’s nearly 50 year old mechanical, electrical, communications, plumbing, and lighting systems have out lived their functional usefulness and are in need of replacement and/or significant repair. Sadly, the state’s current financial situation did not allow the MSBA to authorize and fund many school building projects across the state. Thus, the North Middlesex application sits in limbo with many others submitted across the state.
Elementary and middle schools within the school district continued their fine work and added new programs designed to improve student performance on MCAS. The school district pursued a number of state and federal grants in hopes of expanding further educational opportunities available to students within the school district. Grants allowed the school district to maintain full-time kindergarten programs across the school district. The district also received competitive grant funds to investigate both the possibility of implementing school schedules designed to extend the school day and the implementation of K-5 gifted and talented programs.
Finally, the district, like the member towns, faces an uncertain financial future. Resources available to schools from all governmental levels continue to shrink. It will be difficult to maintain the current level of educational services without eliminating some programs and/or employing innovative staffing patterns. The district’s children have always benefitted from strong community support. We will continue to work closely with town officials to provide educational opportunities equal to the potential of the children we strive to serve.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen M. Marshall
Superintendent of Schools
NORTH MIDDLESEX REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
It is with great pride that I provide this update about North Middlesex Regional High School, a learning community that is committed to excellence.
NMRHS offers an academic program that prepares students for life beyond high school. Our program of studies offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides students the opportunity to achieve to their full potential. In addition to traditional courses, we are able to offer diverse courses including: Pre-Engineering / Robotics, Mandarin Chinese, American Studies, American Sign Language, as well as eleven advanced placement courses. We strive to support all of our students and acknowledge their accomplishments. Students at North Middlesex continue to be recognized outside of our school community. We are pleased to honor our thirty-two advanced placement scholars, as well as our seventy-six John and Abigail Adams Scholarship recipients for outstanding MCAS achievement.
Our primary goal is to provide curriculum and instruction that is student centered and aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The staff at North Middlesex Regional High School is second to none. They work tirelessly developing curriculum, improving instruction, and participating in professional development course work that expands their own knowledge base. Their professionalism in embracing changes to the school has been vital to improving our high school climate. We are committed to knowing our students and putting their needs first in every decision.
Beyond the classroom, NM students excel. We are extremely proud of our marching band and choral group for earning awards and recognition at state competitions. Our athletic program continues to compete at a high level in the Midland-Wachusett League, with several athletes and teams qualifying for tournament play. The number of after school clubs and organizations continues to expand each year, and we currently offer over thirty. These programs provide students with different interests and abilities the opportunity to become involved in our school community.
NM students are socially responsible and are committed to improving the community beyond the school. Our students organize major events to raise money and awareness for specific causes. From the Relay for Life event that raised money for cancer research, to our Adopt a Family coin drive to support local families around the holidays, to our New Orleans community service group who will again travel to help those still affected by Hurricane Katrina, NM students know the importance of building a strong community both in and out of school. We are extremely proud of our students for both organizing and sponsoring these causes.
We are pleased to work closely with our school council to help build partnerships with families and community organizations. We encourage open communication with parents and invite you to visit our website at http://nmiddlesex.mec.edu and click on the link to NMRHS.
Sincerely,
Michael Flanagan, Principal
NISSITISSIT MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Nissitissit Middle School opened its doors for a seventh year to 505 children. This beautiful facility, constructed on a 22 acre site, is designed to serve the middle school age population of Pepperell. Students in grades 6-8 will experience a state of the art facility which has the capacity to serve nearly 800 children. The school has a 504 seat auditorium with a full stage that is equipped for professional productions.
Since our opening in September 2002, Nissitissit Middle School has endured the loss of many teaching and support staff positions. It is important for the Pepperell community to understand how this has impacted the quality of education at the school. We have lost a total of (9) teaching positions which include a health teacher, reading teacher, gifted & talented teacher, guidance counselor, (2) special needs teachers, and (3) classroom teachers one in each grade. Our school has lost (5) support staff which includes a secretary, a custodian, cafeteria assistant, and (2) classroom instructional assistants. It has become increasingly more difficult to meet the needs of our middle school children. Each position’s value can speak for itself. The remaining staff at Nissitissit Middle School continues to work hard to give our children the best education possible. We are pleased that we were able to return an important health teacher position to our program this school year. We hope that future school budgets will include greater resources which will enable us to bring back essential positions.
The mission of Nissitissit Middle School is to recognize the unique needs of the middle school student while providing a safe and respectful learning environment that inspires the students to exhibit the core values of CLICK: Courage, Leadership, Integrity, Curiosity, and Kindness. The Nissitissit Middle School core values are direct, powerful, and simple. These core values are intended to carry improvement objectives into the future. The core values can be integrated into many facets of Nissitissit Middle School life for students, parents, and faculty. Courage, Leadership, Integrity, Curiosity, and Kindness are values appreciated by most individuals and are universally understood. They have keen relevance in an educational environment. Together, the first letters of the core values form the acronym CLICK, a contemporary, direct, and to-the-point summary of these values. All members of the school community can carry these values with them. The CLICK concept serves as a basis for a variety of future initiatives.
The middle school is designed to support the arts and has a band rehearsal room, general music classroom, choral rehearsal room, and two art rooms with kilns. A health classroom and large gymnasium help support our commitment to developing healthy activities for our students. A modern well equipped fitness room is also part of our health/physical education program. Technology and literacy resources are notably evident in our (2) computer labs and state of the art library media center. We have added a new robotics program into our technology/science curriculum. Each classroom at Nissitissit Middle School is equipped with three computers, cable television, a 36 inch TV/monitor, dvd/vcr, and power point presentation capabilities. Several smart boards are used throughout the school. Each of our (9) science labs are equipped with advanced materials which support the curriculum. Each science classroom has (6) lab stations which are equipped with water, electricity, and natural gas. The science lab experience for Nissitissit children is outstanding.
The curriculum at Nissitissit reflects the standards written within the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. We are committed to offering a challenging and accelerated curriculum to our students. Many revisions have been made in our math, science, language arts, social studies, world language, and unified arts curriculum through the efforts of district curriculum groups. In math, we offer an accelerated curriculum which replicates math programming from Singapore. Students from Singapore have scored amongst the highest in international math testing.
Nissitissit has powerful technology resources in all classrooms. Each teacher has appropriate and safe access to the Internet. The use of the Homework Zone allows parents the opportunity to use the Internet as a strong communication tool with the school. They can view homework assignments, the school calendar, their child’s schedule, and more. School newsletters are emailed to a parent distribution list. Our library and two computer labs have been equipped with outstanding resources. The media center serves as a third lab for any classroom to visit. The school has recently implemented the use of smart board technology as a new teaching tool.
The staff at NMS would like to thank the North Middlesex Regional School Committee and the entire Pepperell community for their continued support. We recognize the exceptional work that is done within this school district which enables Nissitissit Middle School to serve its children at a very high level.
VARNUM BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
I am pleased to submit my second annual report as principal of Varnum Brook Elementary School. This year, seventy-two dedicated staff members are committed to supporting and educating approximately 500 children in Grades 3-5 and two preschools. Thirteen new staff members joined the Varnum Brook School Community. Mrs. Sharon Sheehan has joined the third grade teaching team. Mrs. Mary Hederson has joined the fourth grade teaching team and Tracy Donavon has joined the fifth grade teaching team. Ms. Egan and Ms. Leary have been hired for our new preschool program. Mr. Joseph Davolio and Mrs. Susan Rotella have joined our special education team. Mrs. Maureen Patenaude rejoins us as our new art teacher. Five paraprofessionals have been hired for our new preschool programs. They are Mrs. Tracy Tardif, Mrs. June Caterno, Mrs. Karen Considine, Mrs. Cindy Dimartina, and Ms. Alexis Kalil.
This year the PTSG Board consists of Jannine Kraus, (President), Roberta Frechette (Co President), Kellie Maranda (Treasurer), Sandy Abernathy (Secretary), and Jen Hallisey (Volunteer Coordinator). The PTSG implemented and hosted various activities and events that supported and enriched the curricula as well as the whole educational experience for each child: A school dance, A nutrition play, School wide Talent Show, Field trips like the River Discovery Program, and a Percussion Show is just a few examples of the programs they have provided. The PTSG also organized an extensive parent volunteer program of over one hundred fifty volunteers. These volunteers help in many capacities throughout the school such as monitoring the student absence line, helping with office assistance, classroom duplication and distribution needs, and working with staff members to enrich and support the high quality curriculum that has come to be expected in the North Middlesex Regional School District.
The Varnum Brook Elementary School Council consisting of parents, teachers, and administrators includes Mr. Ralph Slavik, Mrs. Linda Boden, Officer Haskins, Mrs. Jennifer Koulopoulos, Mrs. Kim McCarthy, and Ms. Debra Passios. This advisory council meets monthly and each meeting is open to all who are interested in attending. The School Council reviews the current School Improvement Plan, notes achievements made, and makes recommendations for further school improvement based on a parent survey. Furthermore, we have two advisory committees to the principal; the Principal Advisory Committee for Teachers and Principal Advisory Committee for Parents. The Principal Advisory Committee for Parents has over twenty-five parents who are participating.
All staff members continue to participate in the many professional development opportunities provided by the North Middlesex Regional School District as well as in graduate level programs and workshops. Along with these educational experiences, all staff members attend weekly professional development meeting called Professional Learning Communities. Also, teachers have six half-days for professional development provided by the district. Our staff have focused on an in-depth analysis of last year’s MCAS tests in order to identify areas in need of improvement and further development of a remediation plan to address these identified areas, and continued areas of development in the Language Arts/Reading and Math areas.
The Varnum Brook Elementary School Community continually seeks to foster and support attitudes and behaviors that communicate confidence in and promote the success of every child. In addition to our comprehensive academic program, Varnum Brook Elementary School offers every child the opportunity to participate in programs such as the Student Council, DARE, the “Officer Phil” program, band instruction, chorus at each grade level, Destination Imagination, Community food and coat drives, Citizen of the Month, CIA (Caught In the Act of Being Kind), and CLASP.
On behalf of the children, staff, and administration, I would like to thank the Pepperell community, Dr. Maureen Marshall, Superintendent of Schools, and the North Middlesex Regional School Committee for their continued support. You can be assured that the Varnum Brook Elementary School Community will continue to support and implement educational programs and enrichment activities that will benefit each child: The mission of Varnum Brook Elementary School is to provide a challenging and enriching environment conducive to risk-taking and problem solving. Through our pursuit of excellence, children become self-confident learners that will prepare for the demands of the twenty-first century.
Sincerely,
Mr. Ralph Slavik
Principal
PETER FITZPATRICK SCHOOL
Peter Fitzpatrick School began the 2008/2009 school year on September 3rd and ended the calendar year with a total of 536 Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 2 students, 268 girls and 267 boys. There were two retirements of veteran teachers, Patricia Drake and Reaney Palmer, and resignations from Lauren Fitzgerald and Heather Seguin. We welcomed new staff members: Kristen Kennedy and Laurie Mahoney as first grade teachers, Kathleen Millward as an integrated preschool teacher, Terri-Ann Hamerla as a special education teacher, and Jessica MacIntyre as a kindergarten teacher. In December, Assistant Principal Angela Kimble resigned her position in order to assume a principal position in another school district. Former Varnum Brook teacher Eric Magnuson was appointed Interim Assistant Principal. Because PFS no longer qualified for funding, Title I teacher Mary Sydlar was transferred to another district school.
The mission of Peter Fitzpatrick School is to maintain a safe and nurturing environment where children, parents, and the community work together to foster academic success and social growth. The staff at Peter Fitzpatrick School is dedicated and committed to fulfilling this mission and providing a quality education for all children. We are joined in this effort by the following:
PTO Our strong parent/teacher organization works cooperatively with the school and provides many opportunities for parent involvement. An active parent volunteer program is a valuable mainstay of the school. We are fortunate to have this type of partnership in Pepperell.
Crisis Response Team Members of the school staff, community, and police and fire departments meet to develop and review school safety guidelines, procedures, and protocol that must be in place in case of an emergency. Fire, bus evacuation, and intruder/lockdown drills are held during the year.
School Council Teachers, parents, and a community member join the principal in the formation of the Peter Fitzpatrick School Council. Members of this year’s council are Suzanne Foley, JoAnn Northrop, Alice Riportella, Amie Ippolito, Rachel Loprinze, Kathy Strait, and Lt. David Scott. Plans are presently underway to help us meet school improvement objectives that fall under ten district goal categories: Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, Accountability, Technology, Human Resources, Communication/Partnerships, Resource Acquisition and Management, Plant and Facilities, Image, District and School Climate, and Student Services. These objectives include:
· Developing lessons for students in the area of social skills;
· Promoting professional learning communities;
· Reviewing and analyzing test/assessment results to improve instruction;
· Improving the mentoring program;
· Increasing paper recycling and conservation opportunities.
Curriculum Committees: The school district’s curriculum committees (Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts/Reading) began to conduct scheduled meetings at the start of the school year. PFS staff members continue to serve on district committees and work closely to gauge, affect, and enhance instruction. Curriculum guides for individual subject areas are being reviewed and revised to meet standards that are set by the state frameworks.
The Peter Fitzpatrick School Community will work to maintain a strong advocacy for all children. We know that children have been entrusted to us, and we make their safety, welfare, and education our primary concern.
Respectfully submitted,
Pauline A. Cormier, Ed.D.
Principal, Peter Fitzpatrick School
DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TOWN ENGINEER
Although I seem to begin all of my annual reports with “it’s been another busy year for the DPW”, 2008 once again fits this description. Highway undertook a major roadway project and had another imposed on it; Sewer completed a significant extension of the system at a very visible location but a project that did not go as smoothly as planned; Water completed the construction of its new office/garage complex at a huge cost savings, approved its Master Plan for capital improvements over the next decade, and moved another step closer to installing the Nashua Road well; and Parks, Cemetery, and the Town Engineer were both kept very busy despite slowing economic conditions. Thanking members of the Board of Public Works, Division managers, and all DPW employees for their hard work, I offer the following report to the citizens on the seventh year of the Pepperell Department of Public Works.
Highway Division: Using the design and environmental approvals from 2007, Highway completed the complete reconstruction of the north end of Lawrence Street, from Wheeler Street to the New Hampshire line. The project resulted in improvements to the vertical realignment sight distance, to the width of traveled way by constructing new shoulders, and to drainage at eight locations. Coordination was also necessary with the electric and telephone companies on utility pole location. The end result is a safer roadway that has seen traffic increase in recent years.
The other major roadway project was the replacement of a large culvert on Oak Hill Street, which had been scheduled for replacement next year but when a section of the old, rusted metal pipe washed out in August, it became a situation to address immediately. After briefing FinCom and ConsCom on the issues, the work was completed with in-house design and project management, with the end product being a slightly larger precast box culvert to eliminate past flow problems and which will last much longer than the metal pipe it replaced. We were able to keep this main road opened for every day except two during the actual construction.
The Highway Division also was able to complete major pavement projects as well in 2008, the most notable along Tarbell Street between Jersey and Groton Streets, Oak Hill Street between Maple and Cranberry Streets, Elm Street between Main and Shirley Streets, the access road to the Varnum Brook School, and at a few other locations. Most of these projects included drainage improvements and some included full depth / full width reconstruction for a better, longer lasting roadway surface. Highway continues to reclaim the old pavement into an excellent, cost-effective material used as a base course on future projects.
Highway planted more than double the number of trees than usual throughout the Town in 2008, thanks to a grant from the State and coordinated by National Grid, with 30 larger caliper trees planted throughout Town. Highway also coordinated with National Grid forces at the end of the year to remove additional hazard trees, as they had in 2006. Also, meeting with the Town Engineer and the Chief of Police twice in 2008, as we have been doing now for nearly a decade, Highway maintained and improved traffic signs throughout the Town, including the ongoing project of installing compliant larger street signs along the Town’s major roadways. As the year came to an end, the Highway Division worked hard over many hours to open Town streets affected by the ice storm that resulted in hundreds of downed trees, thousands of downed branches, and flooding at many locations – as usual the Highway staff did a tremendous job. Finally, Highway Superintendent Peter Shattuck and I provided inspectional services at subdivisions that will eventually request acceptance by the Town.
I would also note that although the project does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Town, the Covered Bridge project went into full gear in 2008. Starting with a preconstruction conference with the proper Mass Highway authorities and the contractor in January, the shutdown of the 1962 bridge earlier than expected in February, the 2008 work included a ribbon-cutting ceremony in May, the completion of the demolition in August, and by the end of the year work on the new bridge piers nearing completion. Hopefully by the end of 2009 the Town’s iconic Covered Bridge will be back serving traffic as well as being a source of pride of the Town.
Water Division: The Water Division probably had the most eventful year of all DPW Divisions, most importantly completing the construction of its new office / garage complex at the site of the old Pepperell Springs facility on Chestnut Street. This new facility is now of such substantial construction that it should last well into the second half of this century, replacing the old Canal Street office that needed much more costly repairs to bring it up to code. Including the sale of the old building, the total cost of the project is under $250,000, which is really amazingly low for what we are ending up with. Much thanks to the staff at Water for working on this complicated project, without whose help would have made this a much more costly job. Mark Richardson, Matt Walsh, and the architects HKA from Groton performed miracles to get the project done with the funds made available.
Water also completed a landmark study of its system called a Hydraulic Study. This study formed the basis of Water’s long-term capital improvements Master Plan and was accepted as such by the DEP. This Master Plan has prioritized the Nashua Road well as highest and the Water Division will be pursing the construction of that well with an appropriation for design at the May 2009 Town Meeting – this will be in keeping with a schedule for the construction approved by DEP, who approved the site for a municipal well in 2003 with a permit that expired in 2008. DEP extended the permit only with the DPW’s commitment for design in 2009, construction in 2010, and bringing the new well online by 2011. The remainder of the hydraulic study served to point out areas of Town where “fire flow” in the existing distribution system is inadequate to meet the needs of fire fighting protection. The first aspect of this was actually done in 2008 when a section of line recommended for upgrade which ran directly adjacent to the new Nashua Road sewer. The DPW determined that the most efficient way to replace that section was to do it the same time the road was being impacted for the sewer installation, and when design costs, road restoration costs, and inconvenience to the public are all factored in, the best decision was to make it part of the same contract as the sewer work. Beginning in 2011, Water plans to address the next highest priorities, all involving the distribution system. The Board of Public Works approved this Master Plan but remain vigilant about controlling water rates while trying to maintain and improve the system.
The third major project for the Water Division in 2008 was the preparation for the Nashua Road well at the state line by installing the feeder line that will carry flow from the well once it is constructed (planned construction for 2010 – 2011 as mentioned above) to the existing system. As part of an agreement with the developer of the east section of this same parcel, the Water Division will be given the land on the west section of the parcel in exchange for installing this infrastructure, which will also serve the development. We had to make sure that whatever was done did not have an adverse impact on DEP’s approval of the well permit. This process was complicated in that municipal bid work generally cannot separate labor from materials but had to be in this case because Water installed only that part which would connect the well to the existing system. The legal documents to transfer ownership to the Water Division were finalized by the end of December 2008.
On other issues, the Water Division also used a State grant to install water saving devices in municipal buildings in the summer of 2008, and hope to receive another grant in 2009 to complete the project. As this too was a requirement of DEP, it was nice to get DEP to pay for 75% of the costs. Water also contracted for the initial phases of a program that will improve the reading of meters Town-wide with devices that will dramatically cut down the time this operation takes. This will allow for quarterly billings for water and sewer, something the DPW has had in its plans for quite some time. This meter reading modernization will be done over the next several years. Water also cleared an easement for the feeder line from its Mason Street tank, requiring coordination with a development at each end. This easement, while carrying flow that fed a significant portion of the Town, must be cleared for access in case of a maintenance emergency, and the work this year was the final section to be done. Finally, it was with pride that Water was able to come through the ice storm of December relatively unscathed, due primarily to the capital improvements in the system done over the last few years. While parts of Town were without power for up to a week, recently installed or improved emergency power at all Water locations functioned without any problems.
Sewer Division: The Sewer Division continued the expansion of its collection system to other areas of Town that lie within the Sewer District, with the initial plan for 2008 to do nearly all of the areas in the northeast section of the District. The low bid contractor, however, did not prove capable enough to do what would have been the largest single contract ever for expansion of the collection system. After just six weeks, this contract was terminated and the DPW made the decision to re-bid enough of the remaining work as soon as possible, concentrating on heavily traveled Nashua Road. This work was put out for re-bids by this office and the low bidder completed both the water and sewer work on Nashua Road just as the construction season ended, with the road scheduled to have a new paved surface in the spring of 2009. The remaining sewer work, on Mill, Hollis, and Brookline Streets, was put out for bids to be opened on January 22, 2009, and we expect the 2009 work to be completed in a more efficient and professional manner by the end of the summer.
I would like to point out here that on all Sewer and Water projects, the DPW has done in-house project management (and sometimes in-house construction), as it has since 2002. The costs savings to the rate payer are very substantial by doing this, and it is possible only because of the talents of those in management positions in the DPW.
The Sewer Division was also very involved in the Town’s GIS system, taking the lead in the satellite locating of DPW structures throughout the Town, and by the end of the year were very close to having located every sewer structure Town-wide. This was not expected to be among the first phases of the GIS system but Sewer recognizes the value of this information and the GIS system will soon have all hydrants and sewer structures located on maps with GPS’d locations. Sewer also started a pilot program in 2008 that involved the trucking of sludge to other facilities for final treatment and disposal. Although Sewer continues to compost sludge at the treatment plant, as it has for 30 years, the increase in flows resulting from additional connections to the system is making the composting operation approach its maximum. This, plus wanting other options for the sludge to compare costs as well as for availability in emergency situations, provided the incentive for this program. Finally, Sewer was also very responsive to the ice storm in December, with few problems and those that did occur were addressed by the staff, who collectively worked 24/7 until the emergency conditions were over.
Transfer Station: The Transfer Station continued to evolve in 2008 to address the ever changing waste disposal needs of the Town. The best thing that the Transfer Station was able to do last year was maintain the same fees for use stickers and bag-tags that have been in place since the beginning of 2006 – three full years with the same costs to residents, and still a much better deal than is offered by commercial trash services. The facility also began a program designed to remove mercury, from the waste stream, a major threat to public health. Working in conjunction the Wheelabrator Corporation, with whom we deal for trash disposal, the facility now accepts mercury-containing devices (fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermometers, and “button-cell” batteries) and they are properly disposed of. The DPW would again like to thank Donelan’s Market for participating with us in the sale of bag-tags at their store, a convenience for residents that is appreciated, and welcome the Pepperell Family Pharmacy who also agreed to sell bag tags
Parks and Cemeteries: Manager Terry Spaulding and his staff once again maintained the parks, athletic fields, and cemeteries in excellent conditions. Thanks to the generosity of the Town’s youth sports support groups in helping out with the costs of fertilizers, seed, and other maintenance supplies, Terry has been able to keep the fields in tip-top shape in times of budget reductions.
Town Engineer: Even with the slowing of the economy, the Town Engineer remained a busy position in 2008. As is usually the case, subdivisions require much attention when they start up and as they approach completion – in 2008, we had projects at each end of progress timeline. Julia Lane and Beaver Creek Circle were just about ready for Town Meeting acceptance by the end of the years; with some encouragement from the Planning Board, Village Road and Pond Circle off Park Street also took steps toward completion; and as was mentioned above, Emerson Village off Nashua Road at the state line started up in 2008, and beyond the needed coordination with the Town, I did the inspections of the drainage and roadway systems for the first phase of work, the establishment of a bond, and working with the Board of Appeals and the developer directly to make sure the approved design met the Town’s subdivision design standards.
I also provided field survey work for all DPW Divisions, including at Highway’s Lawrence Street reconstruction project; for a drainage problem on Cottage Street; for the full width/full depth reconstruction of lower Oak Hill Street; to reinstall a Town bound on the Groton line that had been knocked over; confirming survey for the Nashua Road sewer project; I was appointed the person of contact for the Town’s dealings with the State on the possible development of the Mill Site, and in December we were successful in obtaining the grant that will provide a comprehensive site master plan for the area; I worked extensively with the GIS Committee and believe there was considerable progress in GIS in 2008, including completion of the study of all roads and ways, of the Town-wide hydrants locations (with Town-wide sewers nearing completion), and of the Park Street demonstration project; I coordinated the implementation of the new State-mandated trenching protection bylaw which will take effect in 2009; I reviewed plans for projects on Hollis and Tucker Streets and for a common driveway off Nashua Road; final inspection for the new building at Lomar Park; updating the Town’s official road list with the State, which is the basis for our Chapter 90 funding; continued attempts to resolve inter-municipal and sewer/water issues at the Reedy Meadow subdivision; and I worked with the Board of Health on the required post-closure testing requirements at the Boynton Street landfill, which must be done four times a year for the next twenty years.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT, TREE WARDEN, AND
MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
The following is a report from my daily diary of activities of the Highway Department, Transfer Station and Tree and Moth Departments:
January 1st we started off with 4” of snow, 10” on the 14th, 3” on the 18th, 2” on the 27th and on the 30th ice.
February 2nd more ice, 5th 1" snow and on the 6th heavy rain all day causing some street flooding; 1” of snow on the 7th, another ½" snow on the 8th, 5” on the 13th, 9” on the 22nd, 2” on the 28th and on the 20th 2”.
March 1st 8” snow, 19th ½”, 26th we saw 51 degrees and then on the 28th 3” of snow.
This brings a total of 51” of snow and two ice storms. The Highway Department crew was very busy with plowing, sanding and equipment repairs along with snow removal and sidewalk plowing. Pothole patching was done throughout the winter, because the very cold temperatures and rain do a lot of damage to our New England roads. With April in sight winter equipment will be looked over by the town mechanic and put in ready to go condition for the next winter season.
April also brings out all the sweeping equipment to clean up the mess from winter. Sidewalks and streets are swept and more pothole patching and sign work is done throughout the town.
The Highway Department assisted the Conservation Commission this year with the construction of a parking lot off of Elm Street just past Shirley Street on the left.
A catch basin was added to Lowell Road this year to repair a drainage problem and prepare for the paving of Lowell Road (Route 113). Catch basins were cleaned this spring; we do clean them on a regular basis.
Tree work was done all around town on trees that were dying or were a threat to the public. This is a constant exercise we work at to keep our road sides safe.
Again this year we cleaned up the trash along the side of the roads that is collected by all the volunteers. This is a great service to the town.
Heald Street and Maple Street had a top course of hot top this year that completed the sewer extension project for that area. Also paved this year were Groton Street, Tarbell Street, and Lowell Road (113}.
The asphalt rap pile was ground up again this year. The product is a great road base for construction of our town roads.
All dirt roads are graded spring, summer and fall.
On Oakhill we installed a new box culvert and all cross walks were painted in June.
The Highway Department planted 25 new trees with a $5,000 grant that was paid for by National Grid from the Hazard Tree program in 2006.
June 12th we had a large windstorm that took down many trees and limbs which kept the highway crew busy with roadside clean up for a few days.
Complete reconstruction of Lawrence Street was done this year; we took down some trees to widen the road, dropped some hills and filled in some areas to make for much better sight distance for the residents and motoring public. This job was also done in house with Highway personnel and equipment. The project was a huge cost savings to the town and a great job done very efficiently.
The town mechanic was very busy keeping all of our fire dept. equipment up and running and safe. He also is busy with repairs done in house and we see another win win for the town with many dollars saved.
The men at Highway also help the Water Department from time to time with water main breaks.
Heavy rain caused wash outs on many of our roads with hills. The men were busy doing repairs to these areas.
Roadside mowing was completed on all roads this year to keep brush back from hitting motor vehicles and to keep sight distance better at intersections.
We were very busy this year trying to keep culverts open from our pesky beaver friends. They are very hard workers and keep us very busy all year long.
Curb spraying was done in July.
The Highway Department with the help of the Cemetery Department put the voting booths up.
In September a new drainage pipe was installed to repair a collapsed one that was causing water problems on Cottage Street.
Another basin was installed on Shirley Street to stop a winter time ice problem.
Line striping of the streets was completed in November.
This year we hauled 1,050 tons of trash to North Andover.
We also have two sign and safety meetings in the spring and fall to keep all of our signs in good shape.
We have had a productive year here at the Highway Department with many good sized jobs completed for a reasonable cost to the tax payer.
I would like to thank all town departments for the help they have provided to the Highway Department this year.
Thank you to all Highway Department and Transfer Station personnel for a very productive year.
Respectfully Submitted
Peter J. Shattuck, Sr.
Highway Superintendent
Transfer Station Superintendent
Tree Warden/Moth Superintendent
CEMETERY AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
During the year 2008 we continued to operate the cemetery on a twelve-month basis. There were a total of 21 burials at Woodlawn Cemetery, and no burials in the Walton Cemetery. The total revenue generated from these burials was $10,075.00. Of the 21 burials, 6 were cremations and 15 were full burials in vaults.
This year a total of 12 lots were sold; 10 were full burial lots, and 2 were cremation lots. The revenue generated from lot sales was $4,125.00. The Cemetery Department continued clearing new section for future expansion.
The Parks Department continues to maintain 50-plus acres of recreational land. The Parks Department thanks the organizations that contribute to the fertilizer and seed monies especially during these trying fiscal times.
I would like to thank the entire staff at the Town Hall and the other Town Departments for their support and cooperation throughout 2008.
Respectfully submitted for the Board of Public Works,
Terence K. Spaulding
Cemetery & Parks Department Manager
WATER DIVISION
In addition to the Report by Director of Public Works, the Pepperell Water Division has a supplemental report.
The Pepperell Water Division has been in business since 1908 as the Pepperell Water Department and since 2002 as the Water Division of the Pepperell Department of Public Works. Since its inception, they have met the demands of the Town as well as those imposed by the State and Federal regulation. As we celebrate our 100th year in operation, the Pepperell Water Division continues to serve the community with diligence and integrity.
With 3,100 services (10,000 customers); the Pepperell Water Division pumped 268 Million Gallons of water in 2008 and over that 12 month period the Division has met all drinking water quality criteria without any violations.
The Water Division completed the main portion of its renovation of the Pepperell Springs building by June 2008. The installation of the 100 foot communication tower, installation of security systems, installation of interior storage units, and heating and ventilation were done under separate contracts or in most cases done with in-house personnel. Significant savings were accomplished by the dedicated efforts of all staff members of the Water Division.
During 2008 the Water Division responded to an average of 3 service calls per day in addition to Dig Safe mark out requests, water main flushing, and their normal operational duties. Some of the 2008 Service calls were as follows
6 New water services or connections
25 Hydrants repaired or replaced
4 Breaks / Leaks
11 Service / Main repairs
>400 Hydrants Flushed
The Water Division has continued its pro-active approach in maintaining the system and replacing old or undersized water lines. During 2008, 1,200 feet of 8 inch water main was replaced with 12 inch ductile iron pipe. This was the first of several upgrades recommended in the 2007 water system hydraulic study. The Division also inspected another 1,700 feet of 8 inch water main installed in the 40B housing development on Nashua Road.
The Division also assisted the Highway Division in its response to the December ice storm that left much of Pepperell without power. Crews helped clear brush and open up the roads for travel.
It is only with a dedicated staff, sound operational procedures and good planning that this could have been accomplished. I commend all those that work in the Water Division and thank them for the dedicated service.
Respectfully Submitted
Mark A. Richardson
Superintendent – Pepperell Water Division
SEWER & WASTEWATER DIVISION
In addition to the Report by Director of Public Works, the Pepperell Sewer and Wastewater Division has a supplemental report.
The Pepperell Sewer and Wastewater Division has been operating as a stand alone Department or a Division of the Pepperell DPW for 30 years. Over that time there have been many changes to the wastewater treatment facility and the collection system has expanded greatly.
In 2007 the Pepperell Wastewater Treatment facility was awarded the Operation and Excellence Award in Massachusetts for a Mid Size facility (1 – 5 MGD), In December 2007 the Facility was informed that it had received the Operation & Excellence Award from the USEPA for Region 1 for a mid sized facility (1 – 5 MGD) which was presented to the facility in January 2008.
The Operation & Excellence Award is a great honor for the Town of Pepperell. It is the dedicated staff that should be commended on a job well done.
In 2008 the Division continued to expand the system by installing approximately 2,600 feet of sewer main on Nashua Road and a small portion on Mill Street. This project included other work but was reduced do to problems with the first contractor awarded the job and timing with the second contractor on the job. The remaining portion of the project will be completed in 2009. The work done in 2008 will allow another 20 properties to connect to the Pepperell sewer system.
The Wastewater Treatment Facility treated 178.32 Million Gallons of wastewater and 989,350 gallons of septage in 2008. The facility continues to have a removal efficiency of 98 percent for both solids and BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), two main parameters used to show how well the facility is performing. We continued the phosphorous removal program from April through October as part of our Federal permit with good success using polymers that help pull out the nutrient.
We have continued our pro active maintenance programs, which include flushing, inspection and general maintenance of the collection system and pumping stations in Pepperell as well as in Groton. Under normal operation we have three wastewater Operators, two collection system personnel, One Chief Operator and Secretarial support, each willing to change their daily activities to pitch in wherever is needed. This facility continues to protect two of the town’s most precious assets, The Nashua and Nissitissit Rivers.
The Division also assisted the Highway Division in its response to the December ice storm that left much of Pepperell without power. Crews helped clear brush and open up the roads for travel.
I thank all those that work for the Sewer & Wastewater Division for the service and dedication they have shown.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mark A. Richardson
Superintendent Pepperell Sewer Division
BOARD OF HEALTH
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND TERMS
Scott W. Butcher, Chairperson April 2009
Virginia I. Malouin April 2009
John Marriner April 2009
APPOINTED OFFICIALS AND TITLES
Robert J. Lambert . Health Inspector
Robin Hebert Animal Inspector
Ellen Castellano Public Health Nurse
Sandra Grogan Board Secretary
RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES: To administer and enforce the laws, bylaws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Pepperell pertaining to public health and the environment.
AUTHORITY: Massachusetts General Laws, State Regulations and the Code of the Town of Pepperell.
During 2008 the Board of Health issued the following permits/licenses:
Type of permit/license Quantity Type of permit/license Quantity
Septic System Permits (New) 10
Septic Repair Permits 16
Soil Testing (34 test sites) 32
Disposal Works Installer Permits 16
Disposal Installer Test 7
Septage Hauler Permits 8
Collection of Rubbish 4
Mobile Home Park 3
Food Service Permits 27
Catering Permit 1
Mobile Food 2
Temporary Food Service Permit 11
Manufacturing Frozen Deserts 2
Funeral Directors 2
Tanning Facility 2
Massage Therapy Establishment 0
Massage Therapist 0
Family Type Campground 1
Recreation Day Camp – Children 2
Emergency Action Beaver Permit 0
Well Permits 5
Beaver Control Permits 2
BOARD ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
The Pepperell Board of Health has been very busy this past year with over 500 telephone inquiries and requests for service. Health Inspector, Robert Lambert, investigated over 50 housing complaints and approximately 6 dumpster complaints.
The Board also conducted the annual rabies clinic on the first Saturday in April. With the assistance of the Board members, the Town Clerk and the Pepperell Veterinary Hospital, 94 rabies vaccines were given with special thanks to the high school students who volunteered their services.
2008 proved to be a challenging year as the Board experienced a complete turnover in elected officials with the unexpected resignations of Mark Walsh, Myra Cacace, and Peter Cronin. To fill the vacancies, the Board of Selectmen appointed the current three members on November 3, 2008 with terms to expire in April 2009. To add to the lack of stability and continuity, the Board is still without a full-time Health Agent making it difficult to effectively and efficiently deliver services or enforce public health and environmental laws and regulations. As an interim solution, the current Board is utilizing the patchwork of part-time and outsourced staff put in place by the previous Board to provide basic services until a permanent staffing solution can be realized.
The Board also began evaluating the potential to participate in the regionalization of Household Hazardous Waste collection. The goal is to reduce the cost of hazardous waste collection events by establishing a permanent site that several communities can utilize. This would spread the fixed costs among participating communities and reduce the variable costs by aggregating enough waste to bring disposal rates down. It would also allow Pepperell residents with year round disposal opportunities rather than a single event per year.
The recently appointed Board members are striving for more transparency and an opportunity to educate the public on the Board’s responsibilities and activities by broadcasting our meetings on Pepperell’s cable television public access channel. We encourage your participation and the sharing of ideas that will help us continue to improve our ability to serve the community. The office telephone number is 978-433-0328 and E-mail may be sent to health@town.pepperell.ma.us. Additional information can be found on the Internet at http://www.town.pepperell.ma.us/TownHall/health.html.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott W. Butcher, Chairperson
Virginia I. Malouin
John Marriner
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
The services provided by the Public Health Nurse to the Town of Pepperell include the following:
- Administration of immunizations to adults and children as needed.
- Reporting, investigation and case management of reportable diseases mandated by The Massachusetts department of Public Health
- Tuberculosis(TB) testing as directed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Inform and educate the public regarding health issues
- Assessment and implementation of Nursing services in home, office and/or clinic setting
- Co-ordinate health care with families and/or other agencies to best serve the individual
- Plan and coordinate the Yearly Health Fair with the Director and Outreach Worker at the Senior Center
- Plan, coordinate and supervise Health Clinics
- Pepperell Salvation Army Division Treasurer
- File of Life Program
- Plan Red Cross Blood Drives twice a year at the Pepperell Senior Center
Administrations of immunizations were available throughout the year. The guidelines that were followed were set by The Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Vaccines are obtained through the Massachusetts Immunization Provider Program.
Disease reports and investigations were done as the diseases were reported to this office.
The Nursing Services provided were based on the needs of the individuals and the resources available.
Health Clinics held this year:
· Monthly Blood Pressure Clinics were held at the Pepperell Senior Center and Babbitassit Village Housing
· Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization Clinics were held in the fall and winter months.
· Red Cross Blood Drives are held twice a year at the Pepperell Senior Center
The File of Life, which is a prepared medical history and information packet, continues to be available to the residents.
In order to better serve Pepperell this office works with many Town of Pepperell departments as well as State agencies.
Work with Massachusetts Emergency Management continues in order to put in place an Emergency Dispensing Site for Pepperell. This is needed in the event of a mass health disaster.
Thank you to the many volunteers that help with the Health programs. These wonderful people make it possible to better serve the residents of Pepperell.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ellen Castellano Public Health Nurse
VETERANS’ SERVICE OFFICER
Veterans’ Services Officers are veterans who are officials appointed by the mayor in cities and the boards of selectmen in towns. They work under the direction of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Veterans’ Services. One Veterans’ Service Officer may serve as a District Officer for two or more contiguous communities. The Veterans’ Service Officer’s job is to counsel, advise, and assist local veterans and their dependents in whatever way he can. Duties encompass but are not limited to dispensing state-sponsored veterans’ benefits and assisting veterans and their dependents or survivors in obtaining federal benefits or entitlements for which they may be eligible; disbursing monetary and medical benefits and act as the veterans’ burial agent for his municipality or district and arrange for proper interment of deceased veterans. The Veterans’ Service Officer provides assistance in the areas of housing, employment, medical and educational needs, and alcohol/drug rehabilitation. The Veterans’ Services Officer also coordinates with local hospitals, nursing homes and eldercare facilities to insure that veterans or widows are receiving proper treatment and all entitlements. The Veterans’ Service Officer is expected to be an active participant with local, state, and federal human services agencies to ensure that maximum effort is placed on veteran-related problems and needs.
The Veterans’ Service Officer holds office hours on Wednesday from 1 PM until 4 PM. The Veterans’ Service Officer can be contacted at 978-433-0342. Also, appointments can be made for the convenience of the applicant applying for veteran’s benefits.
Each case is serviced with utmost discretion. Individual cases are confidential and not open to the public. Approximately 45 Veterans are assisted each year in Pepperell.
Goals for 2009
Contact Iraq & Afghanistan veterans and provide the necessary information on benefits.
Continue to use all available means to disseminate veteran’s information to the public.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph J. Mazzola
Veterans Service Officer
VETERANS’ GRAVE OFFICER
There has been an increase of (42) veterans interred as follows at the Pepperell cemeteries during the years of 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008: Woodlawn = 19, Walton = 2, Pepperell Association = 11 and St. Joseph’s = 10.
TOTAL INTERMENTS BY WARS
|
|
Walton |
Woodlawn |
Pepperell Assoc. |
St. Joseph’s |
Total |
|
Revolutionary |
27 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
|
War of 1812 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Civil War |
13 |
9 |
10 |
5 |
37 |
|
Spanish-American War |
0 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
10 |
|
World War I |
1 |
44 |
33 |
38 |
116 |
|
World War II |
9 |
143 |
51 |
84 |
287 |
|
Korean War |
2 |
23 |
6 |
9 |
40 |
|
Vietnam |
1 |
10 |
2 |
6 |
19 |
|
Persian Gulf |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Other |
0 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
6 |
|
Total |
53 |
235 |
106 |
150 |
544 |
Respectfully Submitted,
Terence K. Spaulding
Cemetery & Parks Department Manager
COUNCIL ON AGING
Mission Statement: The Pepperell Council on Aging is dedicated to providing services and programs for the senior citizens in the town of Pepperell that will promote independence, dignity and well being.
The Council on Aging Board meets the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 in the Pepperell Senior Center, located on 37 Nashua Road. This meeting is open to the public. Board members serving during 2008 were: Chairperson Merle Green, Vice Chairperson Cathy Forrest, Secretary Dianne Kazanjian, Jerrilyn Bozicas, Dorothy Clary, Ida Donovan and Barry Fuller.
The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 9-3 and provides a gathering place where seniors enjoy social, recreational, health and educational activities. Regular activities include Aerobics, Bingo, Bowling, Cards, Computer Classes, Drama Group, Harmonica, Knitting / Crocheting, Line Dancing, Men’s Group, Movies, Painting, Singing and Yoga. The Council on Aging had hoped to extend its hours of operation to accommodate those seniors who continue to work during the day, but due to budgetary constraints we are not able to attain this goal.
The Council on Aging also provides a variety of services to the residents of Pepperell including; fuel assistance, support groups, weight management, health benefit counseling, friendly visitors, AARP tax preparation, File of Life, congregate and home delivered meals. Over 6,200 meals where prepared and served to home bound residents this year.
Health and Wellness Clinics include blood pressure checks, hearing screenings and Influenza Clinics. We offer ongoing education provided by a variety of professionals on medical issues, as well as an annual Health Fair.
As the only social service agency operated by the town, we work closely with the Public Health Nurse, Board of Health, Veteran’s Agent, Fire and Police Departments, as well as outside agencies including Montachusett Home Care, Montachusett Opportunity Council, the Lowell Transit Authority and the Central Mass Area Agency on Aging
In 2008, 1,805 of Pepperell’s residents were age 60 or over. This is a 5% increase in Pepperell’s senior population from last year. Programs are designed for residents over 60 but there is no age qualification to utilize them. A monthly newsletter is mailed to over 900 households, which provides up to date information and is also available at various locations around town and on line through the Town’s web site.
The Council on Aging also oversees the Property Tax Work Off Program. This program enables homeowners 60 years old and over to work in a Town Department in exchange for a maximum $600 real estate tax credit. Ten seniors participated in this program and assisted several departments in Town including the Town Clerk, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Inspection Department, Treasurers Department, the Town Accountant and Water Department.
The Senior Center has over 160 volunteers who together have worked over 7,000 hours. Without our incredible volunteers we would not be able to provide the services we do. St. Joseph’s Church, Pepperell Christian Fellowship, Curves, our own Seniors and various community groups take turns preparing and serving a home cooked meal every Wednesday to a full house at the Senior Center. Our Friends’ Group has also been vital in supplying equipment and ongoing support.
The Pepperell Food Pantry has merged efforts with PACH (Pepperell Aid from Church to Home) and formed a new organization called Pepperell Aid from Community to Home (PACH) Outreach. Office hours for referrals and support are now at the Knights of Columbus Tuesday nights from 6-8 pm. Food distribution continues to take place at the Senior Center the second Thursday of every month, is open to all residents of Pepperell and serves approximately 150 people monthly.
Several non-profit groups and other town departments continue to utilize the building after hours. The Senior Center has been designated as a temporary Emergency Shelter. The Shelter was utilized the first day of December’s ice storm for people to stay warm, enjoy a hot meal and await the opening of the more permanent shelter at Varnum Brook Elementary School.
We are grateful for the community’s ongoing support of the Council on Aging and appreciate your donations and volunteer work.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Mercurio
COA Director
LOWELL REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY ADVISORY BOARD
The Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) is one of fifteen regional transit authorities established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1974 dedicated to the mission of increasing the use of mass transit on a regional basis. Headquartered at the Charles A. Gallagher Intermodal Transportation Center in Lowell, the LRTA provided nearly 1.7 million passenger trips on their fixed route bus service in nine cities and towns in fiscal year 2001. Additionally, the mobility of elderly and disabled citizens is enhanced through the Council on Aging and the LRTA Road Runner program providing more than 61,000 passenger trips in fiscal year 2008. The LRTA serves an area of over 300,000 population with an operating budget of more than $6 million annually.
The LRTA provides Road Runner van service to Pepperell town residents aged 60 years and older and those who are disabled. The LRTA provides weekday curb-to-curb transportation service in Pepperell and surrounding towns on a 24-hour advance registration basis. All vehicles are fully accessible and wheelchair lift-equipped.
Many trip purposes can be accommodated: shopping, medical appointments, visits to the Senior Center for activities, social and recreational. The fare schedule is $1.00 one-way within town, and $1.50 one-way out of town each way. Road Runner service may be arranged by calling 1-800-589-5782 or 978-459-0152.
The ridership for Pepperell in Fiscal Year 2008 was 2,397 passenger trips.
The LRTA Road Runner operates a 10[passenger 1995 Dodge Maxivan within the Town of Pepperell. New vehicles are acquired through the Commonwealth’s Mobility Assistance Program, which provides 80% of the cost of the new vehicle, while the Federal Transit Administration provides the remaining 20% matching share.
Respectfully submitted,
Barry Fuller, LRTA Advisory Board
LAWRENCE LIBRARY
Two thousand eight (2008) was a year of change and transformation at Lawrence Library with the welcoming of new staff, the restoration/refinishing of the beautiful original hardwood floors, the creation of the Mahony Children’s garden and the re-opening of the Greenbrook Nature Trail located behind the library. The library’s energy audit and lighting update by National Grid (Small Business Energy Efficiency Program) in December of 2007 has reduced our kilowatt usage by an average of 15% for 2008 keeping us within our electricity budget in spite of the increased utility fees. During the December ice storm and subsequent power outage, the library stayed very busy providing coffee, tea, bagels and pastries to many cold citizens in need of warmth, electricity to charge their laptop computers and cell phones and Internet service. The library also provided games, movies to entertain the family and more during the extended power outage and school closure. As this town report is being written the library, partnering with MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), has just been designated a Disaster Recovery Center for Pepperell.
This year the library checked out 123, 407 items resulting in a circulation increase. Inter-library loan items borrowed and requested increased by 2% (Total items borrowed and loaned were 16, 239) The library website usage was (up 38%) as reflected by the increased usage of the on-line room booking software, event calendar program registration, museum pass bookings and the summer reading module.
It was a busy year for adult, teen and children’s programming with the library offering 386 special events/programs. In the spring Tina McEvoy and Jo Ann Pierce joined our library staff, replacing Sue Arthur (assistant director) and Teresa Vadakin (youth service librarian). We also collaborated with the Nashua River Watershed Association and offered two very popular programs – New England Barn Restoration & Owls of New England. The Summer Reading Program theme for 2008 was Wild Reads @ Your Library. Building on last summer’s successful participation using on-line software readers were able to share their thoughts about the books read with other readers in their age group.
A few of the special event/program highlights for the year:
- For children – Jeff Jam Music, Bubble Blast, Stories on the Lawn, Wild about Magic, Wild about Books Concert, Halloween Happenings, Kids Vote Here, Wolf Talk and more
- For teens - the Three Broomstick Concert with Harry Potter Bands, monthly Teen Knitting, Guitar Hero, Video Gaming Night, and more
- For adults – Rescue Annies Benefit Concert (raising money for local home heating oil), monthly Tech Talks workshops using free OpenSource Software, Calligraphy classes, monthly book discussion groups, Learn to Play Bridge classes, yoga, Cooking with Tea and more. In collaboration with: the Pepperell Cultural Council funded: Shakespeare - Lunatic, Lover & Poet, Keepers of the Earth, the Muses: Celtic Music with a Zing and Meet Mark Twain; and with the Nashua River Watershed Association we offered New England Barn Restoration and Owls of New England.
The library provided meeting space for an additional 190 non-profit programs/events. Some of the community groups were La Leche, ARC, Folk Dancing with the Nashoba Valley International Dancers, Democrat town committees, Destination Imagination, NRWA, Spanish Conversation Group and Brownie troop meetings. Artist exhibits in the Art Gallery included: the Fine Arts Collaboration, Nashoba Valley Artists, Pepperell photographers Lauren Ceike and Ken Hartlage, local artists Michael Cunliffe Thompson and Hildred Bennett, the Pepperell Siding Model Railroad Club and the Squannicook Colonial Quilt Guild.
The Friends of the Library once again provided their unparalleled support. The annual fundraisers this year included the toy yard sale, the weekend book sale and the new very successful OctoberFest which provided a wonderful sampling of wines, beers, assorted foods, piano music and a raffled drawing by Pepperell artist Nita Casey. Once again these events plus membership made possible the $10,000 donation for the purchase of children’s books and programs. Additionally a generous ‘art gallery’ donation to the Friends allowed us to spackle, paint and complete of the hang system in the art gallery giving it a fresh new look. The Friends continued to fund all museum passes (a total of 12 museums); sponsored the refreshments for the artist gallery receptions, the Earth Day events, numerous holiday craft programs and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Their dedication, contributions and support are always needed and greatly appreciated!
We continued to expand our Internet access by adding a revamped computer using free Linux software to the wireless network. The free wireless Internet access continues also to be used daily by patrons bringing in their own laptop computers. The library offers a new outgoing fax service at a fee of $1 per page and all copy machines are now managed in house. Both generate revenue which goes towards the town’s general fund.
The library community mourned the loss of Joan Wright, former Library Director and active Library Trustee and Nell Harney, library advocate and volunteer. They will be greatly missed.
In the coming year, the library will work to meet the extreme budget challenges forecast in these economically difficult times. Our goal is to maintain certification and the continuation of technology offerings and expanded programming for all. Staff will begin the training in early 2009 as we partner with MEMA and FEMA in the Disaster Recovery Program. On behalf of staff, Library Board of Trustees and Friends of the library, thank you Pepperell for your support. If you haven’t stopped in recently to see the changes, please do. If you don’t have a library card, stop by for one – it’s FREE and a great way to help stretch your budget! We hope to see you soon.
2008 Statistics
|
Patron Count |
7437 |
5% increase |
Library Programs |
386 |
7% increase |
|
Item Count |
54, 958 |
0% increase |
Attendance |
9651 |
59% increase |
|
Items Checked Out |
125,567 |
3% increase |
Non-Library Room Use |
278 |
28% increase |
|
Web Visitors |
65,747 |
19% increase |
Volunteer Hours |
496 |
6% increase |
|
Web Hits |
900,857 |
38% increase |
PC usage |
5728 |
22% increase |
****A newly developed website by the Massachusetts Library Association Legislative Committee is now available to help library’s better understand and communicate their worth. Using data for Lawrence Library for ONLY December 2008 we calculated the library’s dollar value of service rendered for 1 month (items loaned, room and computer usage, programming and reference) to be $136,623.90! ****
Respectfully Submitted,
Debra Spratt, Director
For the Library Board of Trustees
RECREATION COMMISSION
The Recreation Commission offered over 70 different programs in 2008 designed for all ages to promote many different levels of interest.
Gayle Bosworth, the Recreation Commission Director, added lots of new classes this year such as Baton Twirling, All About Learning classes, Art Classes with Kimberly, ABC Follow Me, Science Program, and Let’s Be Honest. The Recreation Commission is also proud to continue to provide excellent programs that keep our residents active such as volleyball, yoga and exercise classes, several types of dance, Wiggletime for kids, Zumba, Tennis, and of course, the extremely popular middle school age dances.
Many trips were offered to our residents such as Block Island, Niagara Falls, Scallop Festival, New York City, and a Stockbridge Christmas tour.
Gayle continues to research more classes, events, and trips and welcomes suggestions or ideas. We have also expanded our website and remind residents to look online at the many programs available. This will save money on the mailings and printing of brochures.
The Winter Ski Program run by Jim Pantano was very successful this year with 4 bus loads of middle school and high school students going to Wachusett Mountain on Friday nights. The Commission would like to extend its thanks to Jim and the many volunteers who make this popular, fun program possible.
Summer Playground saw many changes this year. Alise Manley retired as program director. The Commission would like to thank Alise for a job well done and her many years of service. Brendan McNabb accepted the position as the new program director. Brendan brings tons of enthusiasm and energy to this role and put many changes into place. The attendance grew and after a lot of positive feedback, we anticipate continued success.
Our Easter Egg Hunt in the spring continues to be a huge success with the town field filled with eggs and the excitement drawing many families to participate.
Although our annual Ice Cream Social was unfortunately rained on, it didn’t stop long lines waiting for ice cream at the Tuesday night band concert this summer. Many families braved the elements and enjoyed their free ice cream and music.
Sue DeFillippo has continued to keep the McGrath Community Center running efficiently. This year, with generous pledges from donors such as the Carr Family, we were able to update the kitchen with new cabinets and flooring. This will provide a nice benefit to those renting the center as they will be able to utilize an updated kitchen for their functions. The Community Center is available to rent for various functions and parties for very affordable rates.
The Commission would like to thank the Pepperell residents for their continued support of our programs. It is through their help that we can continue to provide activities from culture and art programs to science to physical activities for children and adults of all ages. We look forward to serving you in 2009.
Respectfully submitted,
David Priddle
Chairman
P. Derek TenBroeck Jr.
Treasurer
Lynne David
Secretary
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY BOARD
This year, the Agricultural Commission welcomed Sue Ventura of Dragonfly Farm to their ranks. Sue's experience farming in town, and her farmer's market expertise, greatly enhance our team. We are thankful that she has decided to serve the town in this role.
The Agricultural Commission concentrated their efforts this year upon the Pepperell Farmer's Market. Markets were held all season from just after the Fourth of July until October, each Saturday, from 9:00 to 1:00.
We plan to continue to expand the Farmer's Market next year, and form a group of "friends" to assist in running the market.
MILL SITE STUDY COMMITTEE
At the June 9th, 2008 meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint a thirteen member Mill Site Study Committee to assist with the redevelopment of the Mill parcel. The Mill Site Study Committee is an ad-hoc group, appointed by the Board of Selectmen. It is charged with developing a master plan for the property known as the "Mill Site" that abuts the west side of the Nashua River north of Main St. Formerly the home to the Pepperell Paper Company. The Mill Site has been unoccupied for several years, but its prominent location could make any future site development a centerpiece of Pepperell for years to come.
The Committee scheduled six meetings and created a web site and logo. The Committee has been working very closely with the offices of Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) to assist with the planning process. The Town of Pepperell received a $15,000 grant from NMCOG for Technical Services. These resources have been directed to assist the Committee with the execution of a Visioning Session and the application submittal to Massachusetts Permit Regulatory Office which follows-up on Town Meeting action designating the Mill Site under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 43D as a Priority Development Site (PDS).
The Committee scheduled a Visioning Session which was sponsored by NMCOG in October. This session was a very well attended meeting with approximately forty participants in attendance. As a result of this meeting, a document was produced that outlined the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats associated with various development options. This will provide the Committee and other Boards valuable feedback from the residents of the Town regarding what is a desirable development for that parcel. Following on the success of the Visioning Session, the Town successfully submitted its application to the Massachusetts Permit Regulatory Office which has designated the Mill Site as a PDS thereby making it eligible for attractive development financing from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In return, The Town of Pepperell has committed to the Commonwealth to an expedited permitting process for any application that is submitted by a developer for the Mill Site. The Town of Pepperell will also receive a $60,000 grant to further Master Planning of the Mill Site and Downtown area.
The Committee has also created the following sub-groups: Environmental Engineering, Finance/Grants, Marketing-Communications, Conceptual Design, and Business Opportunities. The purpose of these subgroups is to assist the Committee with gathering technical information and to provide greater in-depth data that can be used by the Committee as a whole.
4th of July Parade
TOWN CLERK
POPULATION: 12,188 (January 1, 2008 Town Census)
LAND AREA: 22.9 Square miles
ELEVATION: 244 Feet above mean sea level
DISTRICTS: Fifth Congressional
Third Councilor
First Middlesex Senatorial
First Middlesex Representative
REGISTERED VOTERS: 7,973
Democrats 1,776
Unenrolled 4,715
Republicans 1,431
Libertarians 24
Working Families 12
Green-Rainbow 4
Conservative 1
Reform 3
American Independent 1
Inter. 3rd Party 6
TOTAL 7,973
PRECINCT 1
Republican 480
Democrats 629
Unenrolled 1,609
Conservative 1
Libertarian 13
Working Families 4
Green-Rainbow 1
Reform 2
American Independent 1
Inter. 3rd
Party
3
PRECINCT 2
Republican 484
Democratic 566
Unenrolled 1,576
Libertarian 8
Working Families 5
Green-Rainbow 2
Inter. 3rd 3
Reform 1
TOTAL 2,645
PRECINCT 3
Republican 467
Democratic 581
Unenrolled 1,530
Libertarian 3
Working Families 3
Green-Rainbow 1
TOTAL 2,585
ATTENTION VOTERS
I would like to take the opportunity to remind registered voters when you sign a nomination paper or a petition, please do the following: 1.Only sign if you are a registered voter. 2. Sign your name and your residential address (no post office boxes allowed). 3. If you have normally bad penmanship, print your name under your signature (if the registrars can’t read it – we can’t verify it). And, most important, 4. Do not sign your husbands or wife’s name or any other than your own. If you move, please inform the Town Clerk so that we will change our records and you will be notified of any change in your voting precinct.
Please encourage any of your family members who are not registered voters to register. Anyone who attains the age of 18 may register of if you are 18 by the date of the next election you may register (you still must register 20 days prior to the election to be eligible).
ELECTIONS SCHEDULED FOR 2009
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION, MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009
Last day to register is April 9, 2009
VITAL RECORDS
BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES RECORDED IN 2008
BIRTHS: 78
DEATHS: 36
MARRIAGES: 51
Due to the late returns of 2008 births for Pepperell, the above figure is not accurate. Records of births will eventually be sent to Pepperell and figures will be listed in next year’s annual report. Late returns for 2007 were 1 birth, 6 deaths and 1 marriage. Pepperell residents who gave birth to their children in New Hampshire were not recorded in Pepperell.
2008 LICENSES
1,684 Dog Licenses
10 Kennel Licenses (4 dogs)
2 Kennel Licenses (10 dogs)
4 Kennel License (20 dogs)
193 Late Fees (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31)
2008 dog licenses will expire March 31, 2009. A rabies certificate must be shown before a license may be issued. If you are renewing a 2008 license, a record of our dog's most recent rabies shot should be on file in this office.
A grace period is given until May 31st to allow residents to obtain rabies vaccinations for their dog(s). The Board of Health will hold a rabies clinic on the first Saturday in April each year. The next clinic is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2009.
The Town of Pepperell by-laws require in addition to the license fee, a late fee of $25.00 if the dog is licensed after May 31, 2009. Section 81-12 states that failure to license your dog will result in a $25.00 violation fee. This fine will be added to the late fee of $25.00, plus the licensing fee.
LICENSING FEES
Male or Female $10.00
Spayed or Neutered $6.00
BUSINESS CERTIFICATES
Businesses in Pepperell must file for a Business Certificate, which is required under Massachusetts General laws, Chapter 110, Section 5.
FILING A BUSINESS CERTIFICATE
WHO MUST FILE?
Any person or persons conducting a business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner.
Any corporation doing business in a name other than the corporate name.
WHERE DOES ONE FILE?
With the City or Town Clerk in every city or town where an office of any such business is located.
WHAT ABOUT CHANGE?
Upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business or in the case of a change of residence or location of such business, such change must be filed with the clerk’s office.
DOES A BUSINESS CERTIFICATE EXPIRE?
Yes, a business certificate is in effect for four (4) years from the date of issue whereupon it must be renewed if the business continues to operate.
DO I HAVE TO DISPLAY THE CERTIFICATE?
No, however, a copy must be provided upon request during regular business hours to any person purchasing goods or services from such business.
FEES
Business Certificate Filing $20.00 (includes one certified copy)
Withdrawals, Discontinuance, Changes $10.00 (includes one certified copy)
PENALTIES
Violation of these provisions shall be subject to a fine of not more than three hundred ($300.00) for each month during which such violation continues.
HOW TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE
Contact the Town Clerk’s office at 433-0339 to make an appointment. All persons to be named on the certificate must be present to sign the certificate, which is then notarized or certified by the Town Clerk. If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk’s Office.
OFFICE HOURS
Mondays 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. – Noon
Appointments can be made in the evening for Marriage Intentions
(978) 433-0339
Lois A. Libby, Town Clerk
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
FEBRUARY 5, 2008
VARNUM BROOK SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
PREC. 1 PREC. 2 PREC. 3 TOTALS
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE
JOHN R. EDWARDS 10 7 11 28
HILLARY CLINTON 353 364 381 1098
JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR. 0 0 1 1
CHRISTOPHER DOOD 0 2 0 2
MIKE GRAVEL 2 0 1 3
BARACK OBAMA 239 315 276 830
DENNIS J. KUCINICH 2 0 1 3
BILL RICHARDSON 0 2 1 3
NO PREFERENCE 3 1 6 10
WRITE-INS
JOHN MCCAIN 2 0 0 2
MITT ROMNEY 1 0 1 2
SCATTERED 0 1 0 1
BLANKS 1 1 0 2
TOTALS 613 693 679 1985
STATE COMMITTEE MAN
WRITE-INS
CURTIS LEMAY 2 6 3 11
SCATTERED 84 89 102 275
BLANKS 527 598 574 1699
TOTALS 613 693 679 1985
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN
JENNIFER L. MEITH 368 407 409 1184
WRITE-INS
SCATTERED 5 1 2 8
BLANKS 240 285 268 793
TOTALS 613 693 679 1985
TOWN COMMITTEE (NOT MORE THAN 35)
GROUP
THOMAS J. MCGRATH 351 404 373 1128
CHRISTINE E. MORRISSEY 308 368 364 1040
ALICE M. PECK 268 342 296 906
MARGARET L. LOWRY 268 324 305 897
SUSAN A. EDWARDS 284 352 319 955
JUDITH A. NOLAN 287 329 316 932
DEBORAH K. COHEN 264 329 319 912
CARL J. HASSE 268 321 293 982
VIRGINIA E. WELLWOOD 272 321 292 885
TARYN G. RECCO 282 329 298 909
MICHAEL J. RECCO 293 346 306 945
MICHAEL J. RECCO, JR. 279 328 299 906
HAROLD COHEN 259 322 304 885
JAMES J. MORRISSEY 271 328 299 898
ADELINE P. SCHOLEFIELD 272 325 311 908
SCOTT P. SCHOLEFIELD 269 326 313 908
CHARLOTTE C. BENNETT 288 363 322 973
WRITE-INS
JAMES HARKIN 1 1
PATRICIA LIBERIS 1 1
MIKE DOHERTY 1 1
ROBERT CLARK 1 1
RENATO TOTORA 1 1
CYNTHIA CROCKER 1 1
SHERRI NAUDHOUSE 1 1
JOHN VEYSEY 1 1
SCATTERED 1 1
BLANKS 16666 18496 18435 53597
TOTALS 21455 24255 23765 69475
REPUBLICAN PARTY
PREC. 1 PREC. 2 PREC. 3 TOTALS
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE
JOHN MCCAIN 197 190 168 555
FRED THOMPSON 1 1 0 2
TOM TANCREDO 0 0 1 1
DUNCAN HUNTER 0 0 0 0
MIKE HUCKABEE 25 13 19 57
MITT ROMNEY 296 322 304 922
RON PAUL 12 23 14 49
RUDY GIULIANI 3 1 4 8
NO PREFERENCE 1 2 1 4
WRITE-INS
HILLARY CLINTON 1 0 0 1
BARACK OBAMA 0 2 0 2
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANK 0 0 1 1
TOTALS 536 554 512 1602
STATE COMMITTEE MAN
JEFFREY S. WILSON 366 367 343 1076
WRITE-INS
SCATTERED 5 3 2 10
BLANKS 165 184 167 516
TOTALS 536 554 512 1602
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN
SUSAN S. SLADE 357 362 327 1046
WRITE-INS
SCATTERED 2 2 1 5
BLANKS 177 190 184 551
TOTALS 536 554 512 1602
TOWN COMMITTEE (NOT MORE THAN 35)
WRITE-INS
SCOTT BUTCHER 281 283 261 825
PATRICIA OSTEN 257 276 273 806
DOROTHY MARRINER 259 290 266 815
THOMAS OSTEN 250 277 260 787
JONNA M. CLERMONT 258 270 241 769
DAVID W. LESTER 249 266 241 756
BRUCE CAMPBELL 259 283 257 799
CAROLYN J. CAMPBELL 254 278 257 789
SHARON A. SANTY 249 278 266 793
MEREL R. GREEN, JR. 249 283 251 783
PHYLLIS L. LANG 243 285 247 775
DENNIS G. LANG 242 279 245 766
ROBERT RUSSELL 258 287 252 797
VIRGINIA I. MALOUIN 251 276 253 780
MELISSA M. TZANOUDAKIS 258 280 245 783
WRITE-INS
DONALD BARADANENE 1 0 0 1
J. CANNING 1 0 0 1
VICTOR BERARDI 1 0 0 1
JOHN DENK-COLE 1 0 0 1
SANDRA DENK-COLE 1 0 0 1
RENATE TARTARA 1 0 0 1
SANDRA DUBE 2 0 0 2
WILLIAM WILSON 0 0 1 1
ARNIE SILVA 0 0 1 1
DAVID PRIDDLE 0 0 1 1
LISA MARTIN 0 0 1 1
JAMES PANTANO 0 0 1 1
JOHN BARELLI 0 0 1 1
JAMES DUNN 0 0 1 1
TOM CROWLEY 0 0 1 1
JOHN PAVILLI 0 0 1 1
CHRISTOPHER DESIMONNE 0 0 1 1
SCATTERED 0 5 0 5
BLANKS 14935 15194 14095 44224
TOTALS 18760 19390 17920 56070
GREEN-RAINBOW
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE
JARED BALL 0 0 0 0
RALPH NADER 1 0 1 2
ELAINE BROWN 0 0 1 1
KAT SWIFT 0 0 0 0
CYNTHIA MCKINNEY 0 0 0 0
KENT MESPLAY 0 0 0 0
WRITE-INS
HILLARY CLINTON 0 1 0 1
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 1 1 2 4
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN
WRITE-INS 0 0 0 0
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 1 1 2 3
TOTALS 1 1 2 4
STATE COMMITTEE MAN
WRITE-INS 0 0 0 0
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 1 1 2 3
TOTALS 1 1 2 4
TOWN COMMITTEE (NOT MORE THAN 10)
WRITE-INS 0 0 0 0
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 10 10 20 40
TOTALS 10 10 20 40
WORKING FAMILIES
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE
WRITE-INS 0 0 0 0
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 0 0 0 0
TOTALS
STATE COMMITTEE MAN
WRITE-INS 0 0 0 0
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 0 0 0 0
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN
WRITE-INS 0 0 0 0
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 0 0 0 0
TOWN COMMITTEE (NOT MORE THAN 10)
WRITE-INS 0 0 0 0
SCATTERED 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 0 0 0 0
COUNTING WAS COMPLETED AT 1:15 AM.
TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS: 7782
46 PERCENT VOTED
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 3589
DEMOCRATIC: 1983 (Prec. 1: 612, Prec. 2: 693, Prec. 3: 678)
REPUBLICAN: 1602 (Prec. 1: 536, Prec. 2: 554, Prec. 3: 512)
GREEN-RAINBOW: 4 (Prec. 1: 1, Prec. 2: 1, Prec 3: 2)
WORKING FAMILIES: 0
True copy attest:
Lois A. Libby
Town Clerk
The Senior Drama group the “Pickled Players” dressed and ready to perform.
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
PEPPERELL, MASSACHUSETTS
VARNUM BROOK SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
RESULTS
APRIL 28, 2008
ASSESSOR
Three Years Vote for ONE
|
|
Prec. 1 |
Prec. 2 |
Prec. 3 |
Totals |
|
R. BRABROOK WALSH, III Candidate for Re-election |
371 |
506 |
445 |
1322 |
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
3 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
|
Blanks |
126 |
148 |
123 |
397 |
|
TOTALS |
500 |
655 |
569 |
1724 |
BOARD OF HEALTH
Three Years Vote for ONE
|
VIRGINIA I. MALOUIN Candidate for Re-election |
204 |
295 |
285 |
784 |
|
MARK G. WALSH |
263 |
300 |
237 |
800 |
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
Blanks |
32 |
60 |
47 |
139 |
|
TOTALS |
500 |
655 |
569 |
1724 |
HOUSING AUTHORITY Five Years
Vote for ONE
|
ROBERT C. RUSSELL Candidate for Re-election |
284 |
344 |
338 |
966 |
|
LYNDA J. POZERSKI |
182 |
235 |
174 |
591 |
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
Blanks |
33 |
76 |
57 |
166 |
|
TOTALS |
500 |
655 |
569 |
1724 |
LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Three Years Vote for TWO
|
FREDERICK E. KOBS Candidate for Re-election |
332 |
453 |
407 |
1192 |
|
AMOS J. MAHONY Candidate for Re-election |
401 |
536 |
461 |
1398 |
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Blanks |
267 |
320 |
268 |
855 |
|
TOTALS |
1000 |
1310 |
1138 |
3448 |
MODERATOR
Four Years
|
SCOTT N. BLACKBURN Candidate for Re-election |
397 |
531 |
448 |
1376
|
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
2 |
7 |
4 |
13 |
|
Blanks |
101 |
117 |
117 |
335 |
|
TOTALS |
500 |
655 |
569 |
1724 |
PLANNING BOARD
Five Years Vote for ONE
|
JEFFREY A. CHABOT Candidate for Candidate for Re-election |
211 |
283 |
249 |
743
|
|
DENNIS A. KANE |
216 |
298 |
242 |
756 |
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
Blanks |
73 |
74 |
76 |
223 |
|
TOTALS |
500 |
655 |
569 |
1724 |
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Three Years Vote for ONE
|
LOUIS D. SHATTUCK Candidate for Re-election |
395 |
528 |
457 |
1380 |
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
2 |
3 |
|
5 |
|
Blanks |
103 |
124 |
112 |
339 |
|
TOTALS |
500 |
655 |
569 |
1724 |
RECREATION COMMISSIONER
Three Years Vote for ONE
|
LYNNE E. DAVID |
380 |
526 |
464 |
1370 |
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
2 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
|
Blanks |
118 |
128 |
102 |
348 |
|
TOTALS |
500 |
655 |
569 |
1724 |
SELECTMAN
Three Years Vote for ONE
|
PATRICK J. MCNABB |
417 |
557 |
458 |
1432 |
|
STEPHEN C. THEMELIS |
83 |
98 |
109 |
290 |
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
|
|
|
|
|
Blanks |
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
TOTALS |
500 |
655 |
569 |
1724 |
NORTH MIDDLESEX REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE (At-large members)
Three Years Vote for NOT MORE THAN THREE
|
ANNE E. BUCHHOLZ Pepperell Candidate for Re-elections |
369 |
495 |
433 |
1297 |
|
TAMARA A. LECLERC Ashby |
285 |
405 |
350 |
1040 |
|
MICHAEL MORGAN |
297 |
415 |
359 |
1071 |
|
Townsend |
|
|
|
|
|
Write-ins |
|
|
|
|
|
Scattered |
|
3 |
4 |
7 |
|
Blanks |
549 |
647 |
561 |
1757 |
|
TOTALS |
1500 |
1965 |
1707 |
5172 |
COUNTING COMPLETED AT 9:00 P.M.
TOTAL VOTERS: 7781
NUMBER VOTED 1724
PERCENTAGE 22
REGISTERED VOTERS (INCLUDES 807 INACTIVE VOTERS)
PREC. 1: 2674
PREC. 2: 2553
PREC. 3: 2554
TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS 7781 (INCLUDES 807 INACTIVE VOTERS)
EACH TOWN IN THE REGIONAL DISTRICT VOTED FOR THE SAME CANDIDATES FOR THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. THE TOTAL VOTES CAST FOR EACH TOWNSEND AND ASHBY WERE:
TOWNSEND
ANNE E. BUCHHOLZ 598
TAMARA A. LECLERC 530
MICHAEL MORGAN 766
ASHBY
ANNE E. BUCHHOLZ 246
TAMARA A. LECLERC 406
MICHAEL MORGAN 229
TRUE COPY ATTEST:
LOIS A. LIBBY
PEPPERELL TOWN CLERK
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss:
To either of the constables of the Town of Pepperell, in said county,
GREETINGS:
In the name of the Commonwealth aforesaid, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town qualified according to law to vote in state, county, district and town affairs to assemble at the NISSITISSIT MIDDLE SCHOOL, in said Town, on Monday, the 5th of May, A.D. 2008 at 7:30 PM to act on the following articles:
The Annual Town Meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M., by the Moderator, Scott N. Blackburn. A quorum was present. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. The Moderator explained that he was approached to have a paper ballot vote on some upcoming articles. The procedure was explained how this would be handled.
Checkers for the night were: Jane Eshleman, Emilie Presnall, and Patricia Sergi.
The opening and closing of the Warrant was read by the Town Clerk, Lois A. Libby.
Diane M. Gaspar, Finance Committee Chairman, gave a report for the Finance Committee explaining our budget situation this year.
Finance Committee Report
Given the overall downturn in the economy and the escalating costs of energy, health care and other fixed costs, this year’s budget process presented considerable challenges to the town Finance Committee, the town department heads and the town’s administration to develop a sound and responsible fiscal plan for the upcoming year.
THE REVENUE SIDE
Under Prop 2½, the town is limited to increasing taxes by not more than 2½ % of the prior year’s levy plus the real estate taxes generated by new growth (that is, new construction). We have seen a steady decrease in new growth over the past several years; for fiscal year 2009, the Assessors’ office estimates that new growth will be $125,000, which is a 10 year low. Additionally, there has been a statewide decrease in motor vehicle excise tax collections, as more folks buy smaller vehicles, defer buying new vehicles at all, and keep older vehicles on the road for longer periods of time. Lastly, we are dependant on state aid, the actual amount of which is difficult to forecast, as we do not receive final numbers until after our local budget process has been finalized.
For FY 2009, our current best numbers are as follows:
· Tax levy within Prop 2½ : $13,515,768
· Projected new growth: $125,000
· State aid: $1,683,830
· Local revenue: $1,874,000
· Total revenue from all sources: $17,198,598
THE EXPENSE SIDE
With decreases in revenues and the limitations of Prop 2½ in mind, the Finance Committee initially recommended that town departments limit budgetary increases to 1.5%. Again this is a three year low, as last year’s cap was set at 2.5% and in the prior year’s at 3%. Excluded from this limitation were energy costs, health insurance, and salaries (some of which are governed by contract and others by a wage scale). The Finance Committee also requested that the departments that charge fees for services reexamine their fee structures, to see if they are in line with other communities, and to consider an increase where appropriate. Lastly, the Committee conducted a line-item review of each department’s budget, with the goal of eliminating or reducing costs and/or duplication of services. Consequently, with the cooperation of the department heads, the Finance Committee was able to trim $83,000 from town budgets, as originally submitted.
Total of all recommended town budgets: $7,748,538
(Exclusive of Enterprise departments, which are self funding)
THE SCHOOLS BUDGET
Pepperell is part of a three-town school district (North Middlesex Regional School District) for the elementary, middle school, and high school levels; we are also part of a seven-town district (Nashoba Valley Technical High School) for the vocational-technical high school. For budget purposes, this means that, although Pepperell is separately responsible for paying the cost of educating our students, the Town has no direct control over the school districts’ budgets. The town is represented on the school committees for both districts, and it is those bodies, along with district administrations that set the budgets. Historically (due in part to declining enrollments), Pepperell’s share of the technical school budget has been either stable or declining in recent years. By contrast, the North Middlesex budget continues to grow exponentially, outpacing the limited increases allowed by Proposition 2½, revenue from new growth, and state aid to schools (which has itself declined steadily over the past seven years, from approximately 73% in 2001 to 50% in 2007).
The state mandates that towns pay at least a “minimum contribution,” constituting a fixed amount per student. Pepperell’s minimum contribution for FY ‘09 is approximately $7,493,409. The proposed NMRSD budget for Pepperell exceeds that figure by over $1,141,416. In fact, Pepperell voters have already approved over $1,500,000 in increases above the minimum contribution since FY ‘07.
This year, in an effort to address the continuing growth in NMRSD’s budget, representatives from Pepperell, Townsend and Ashby submitted a joint statement to the School District in which the towns stated that they could not absorb any budgetary increase exceeding 1% to 2% of last year’s budget. This statement was presented by those representatives to the school district administration and school committee. At that meeting, the district indicated it would not reduce the proposed budget, despite representations from the towns that town services would have to be cut to pay for the schools, if that budget prevailed.
Proposed School Budgets:
- North Middlesex Regional School District: $10,102,245
- Nashoba Valley Technical High School: $918,704
THE BOTTOM LINE
If the voters approve, the total for the proposed budgets for the town and the school districts for FY ‘09 is $19,112,069. The total of projected revenue and state aid is $17,198,598. The shortfall is $1,913,480.
The Finance Committee proposes the following appropriations to cover this deficit:
- Free Cash (money not spent from prior year) $400,000
- Retirement Fund (not a renewable source) $200,000
- Offsets from Enterprise Funds $64,000
- Stabilization Fund (town’s savings account) $107,757
- Override $1,000,000
Shortfall as of 4/29/08 $141,714
Without a successful override, the Town will be forced to balance the budget by using the remaining monies in the Stabilization Fund, which action will decimate that account. This desperate use of reserves will result in a reduced bond rating for the Town and inevitable higher borrowing rates. Funds derived from an override would be used to reduce the negative impacts of a monumental drain on the Stabilization Fund, as well as to provide a hedge against an even more dramatic shortfall in financial resources projected for FY ’10.
The Finance Committee is a seven-member volunteer board whose members are Diane Gaspar, Chairperson, Burke Bero, Vice Chair, Chris DeSimone, Stephanie Cronin, Shaun Cummings, Jeanne LeBlanc, and Chris Johnson. The Committee is very grateful for the superb administrative support and professionalism provided by Town Accountant Theresa Walsh, and recording secretary, Sandra Precé.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane M. Gaspar
Chairperson